NHFT shortlisted for HSJ Patient Safety Award
NHFT's End of Life Practice Development Team, within the Specialist Palliative Care Service, has been named a finalist in the HSJ Patient Safety Awards 2026, shortlisted for Palliative and End of Life Safety Initiative of the Year. This fantastic recognition highlights the impact of NHFT's Registered Nurses Verification of Expected Adult Death (RNVoEAD) education programme for nursing homes in the county - a project that has strengthened patient safety and improved experiences for families across Northamptonshire.
Thanks to dedicated funding from Cransley Hospice Trust and Cynthia Spencer Hospice Charity , the programme delivered training to 186 Registered Nurses across 28 nursing homes in Northamptonshire, giving nurses the skills and confidence to safely verify expected adult deaths. This means verification can happen more quickly, by staff who know the patient, reducing delays and easing pressure on GPs and out of hours services.
Amanda Taylor, Lead Educator, NHFT End of Life Care Practice Development Team, said:
"Giving Registered Nurses the skills, knowledge and confidence to safely and compassionately verify expected adult deaths, in line with the latest evidence and national guidance, has meant that to date 83 deaths have been verified by trained Registered Nurses . This helps to reduce lengthy delays and ensures families receive timely support at this important moment. We're incredibly proud of the difference this work continues to make."
One of the trained nurses reflected:
"The training gave me the confidence and knowledge to verify expected death safely and sensitively. It has made a real difference to how we support families at such an important moment."
NHFT's Specialist Palliative Care Service supports people with progressive, life limiting illnesses across the county. Care is delivered at Cynthia Spencer Hospice, Cransley Hospice, in the community clinics from various community teams and, where appropriate, in people's homes. The End-of-Life Practice Development Team provides education and support to health and social care staff, helping them deliver the highest standards of care.
The Health Service Journal (HSJ) Patient Safety Awards celebrate individuals and teams who are driving improvements in patient safety during a time of significant change across the health and care system.
Amanda continues:
"Being shortlisted for this award is a huge honour. Patient safety and delivering compassionate care is at the heart of everything we do, and knowing this initiative is making a difference for families at such a meaningful time is incredibly rewarding."
The winner will be announced at the national awards ceremony on Monday 28 September at the Telford International Centre.
For more information about our Specialist Palliative Care Services visit our website.