Staff across three hospitals run by Dorset HealthCare have been nationally recognised for delivering exceptional care for patients with a terminal illness.
Five wards have received the Gold Standards Framework (GSF) Quality Hallmark Award, which sets the national benchmark for compassionate, high-quality and evidence-based end-of-life care.
The award-winning wards are:
- Guernsey Ward, Herm Ward, and St Brelades Ward – Alderney Hospital, Poole
- Ashmore and Shaston Wards – Westminster Memorial Hospital, Shaftesbury
- Willows Unit – The Yeatman Hospital, Sherborne
And in a further accolade, the Willows Unit at The Yeatman Hospital was named GSF Ward of the Year for 2025.
Representatives from all five wards attended the GSF Conference and Awards Ceremony in Birmingham, where they were formally recognised for their work.
The GSF Quality Hallmark Award is granted to healthcare providers that proactively identify patients in their last year of life, assess both clinical and personal needs, and deliver care that avoids unnecessary hospital admissions. It also recognises organisations that support families and ensure dignity, respect, and peace for patients during their final days.
A specialist end-of-life-nurse practitioner at Dorset HealthCare said:
“This recognition highlights our on-going commitment to delivering patient-centred, dignified care at every stage of life. Each award represents not only excellence in end-of-life care, but also the dedication of all our teams working tirelessly to support patients and their families through this incredibly difficult time. I’m very proud of everyone involved.
“Additional congratulations go to the team at The Willows for winning Ward of the Year – a fantastic achievement which highlights the team’s exceptional hard work and commitment.”