End-of-life care practitioner Kellie Owen won the Health Professional of the Year category in this year’s Solihull Together Awards.

Trust worker Kellie was nominated for “making a huge difference to patients and families in Solihull after taking on a challenging new role in a very difficult area to work in”.

Kellie, who works with patients and staff in nursing homes, was presented with her prestigious award at a ceremony on March 22.

Our Trust was well represented on the day with seven other inspiring individuals or teams being selected as finalists by the judges – and the Trust’s Interim Chair the Rt Hon Jacqui Smith was compere for the afternoon.

Kellie, who lives in Solihull, said: “I’m really pleased, I didn’t expect it. It was lovely to be nominated and nice to be recognised, so I’m really happy.”

She joined our Trust in 2011 when she qualified and her first role was in cardiology at Solihull. She took on her current role as end-of-life practitioner about two years ago.

The nomination for Kellie said: “She works incredibly hard to raise awareness of the importance and significance of end-of-life care with nursing home staff to improve the quality of care and the experience of residents.

“Her work has empowered staff to be able to identify clients who are nearing end of life and to facilitate appropriate care pathways as part of an advanced care planning process.

“She has been instrumental in improving the confidence of staff to have ‘difficult’ conversations with clients and their families ensuring that clients are afforded the opportunity to die with dignity in their preferred place of care.

“Her tireless efforts have reduced the number of nursing home residents being admitted to hospital, instead enabling them and their families to receive the appropriate care and support in the nursing home.

“We have had amazing feedback regarding Kellie and she has made a real difference to the residents, their families and the care they receive through this challenging period.”

Patricia Riley, who works at Solihull Renal Unit, was a finalist in the same category.
She was described as’’highly exceptional’’, someone who “goes above and beyond for the patients and for the staff as well”.

Our other shortlisted finalists who were all praised for their fantastic efforts were; Lizzie Torrance (Inspiring Leader); Charlotte Poole (Care Professional of the Year); Solihull Medical, Elderly and Respiratory Therapy Team (Care Team of the Year);
Yvonne Fox (Outstanding customer care);Minor Injuries Unit and Badger (Collaborative Working);Solihull Falls Project Group (Collaborative Working).

The awards recognise inspiring individuals and innovative teams who are working together to make life better for Solihull’s vulnerable and frail residents. The event was held at the Renewal Conference Centre.