Monday 21 May 2012
7 September 2011
The pioneering work of Sue Ryder / NHS Community Matron Liz Clements in providing supportive and palliative care in the community for people with life-limiting illnesses has been recognised in a national care award.
The unique role of the community matron for supportive and palliative care, which was developed by Sue Ryder in partnership with Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust, has been shortlisted in the Health Service Journal's Efficiency Award Scheme.
A finalist in the Community Service Redesign category, Liz - who has a clinical base at Sue Ryder-Nettlebed Hospice - said: "I'm delighted that our work - and, indeed, palliative care - has been recognised in this way. The awards have seen a huge number of entries, so to be shortlisted is a fantastic achievement. To win would be amazing, raising awareness of this innovative service, which has provided - and continues to provide - expert care and support to hundreds of people at the end of their life."
Piloted in 2006, the project is now at the forefront of palliative care that puts the patient at the centre of care. Designed to ensure every patient has access to palliative care services appropriate to their need and can exercise choice about their place of care at the end of life, the service has made a difference to hundreds of patients' lives across Oxfordshire.
Better assessment, diagnostic skills, care planning, symptom management and support for patients needing end of life care within the community all helps people to be cared for in their own homes for longer. This personalised service for people with a wide range of conditions, including cancer, organ failure and dementia, has resulted in savings of more than £64,000 per annum.
Crossing all healthcare sectors to support patients, the community matron works closely with district nurses and GPs across Oxfordshire, as well as staff in acute and community hospitals and in nursing and residential homes to put the patient at the centre of care and to give them choice in their care.
"Ensuring all patients can exercise choice is a priority for the service," said Liz.
An evaluation over a 12 month period revealed that of the 78 people cared for by the community matron, 51 identified where they wished to die and 49 achieved this.
Patients speak highly of the service. Comments to Liz include: "When we have been frantic with worry, a phone call to you has been all it takes to alleviate that worry. I really don't know who we could turn to in an emergency if you weren't available."
"I would just like to say that I am very happy with the way the Sue Ryder group especially yourself have committed to taking care of our family members, it makes it a little easier for me to know that he is in good hands".
Paul Woodward, chief executive officer of Sue Ryder, said: "This is an excellent achievement and my congratulations go to Liz for getting shortlisted. To win would be brilliant but what would be even better is to see the role of the community matron for supportive and palliative care being replicated across the country. It's better for the patient, their families and health care budgets."
Julie Waldron, chief executive, Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust said: "The work Liz does in palliative care makes such a difference to patients and their families and I am delighted that this has been recognised by her being shortlisted for such a prestigious award."
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