A GROUP of Essex hospices is celebrating after being named winner of the 'Best Not-for-Profit Working in Partnership with the NHS' category at a top awards event.

The Hospice Collaborative Partnership, which includes Farleigh Hospice, Havens Hospices and St Luke's Hospice, working alongside NHS Mid and South Essex Integrated Care Board (ICB) was recognised at the HSJ Partnership Awards 2025, in recognition of their outstanding dedication to improving healthcare and effective collaboration with the NHS.

The accolade was presented at a ceremony at Evolution London, hosted by Rachel Parris and Marcus Brigstocke. 

The event, which featured 23 separate categories, was attended by representatives from the NHS, the private sector, the third sector, and individuals from non-clinical backgrounds to celebrate the importance of positive partnerships and acknowledge how they underpin the future sustainability of the NHS.

The Hospice Collaborative and the ICB were recognised for the innovative "Hospice Rapid Access Service" - a 24-hour hospice-inspired care pathway for adults across mid and south Essex that provides patients with a choice in where to receive care as they approach the end of their lives, whether that's in a hospice, care home or in the community.

The service promotes patient choice, helping patients achieve their preferred place of care and death, which improves their quality of life and reduces anxiety for their families. The service also helps to ease demand on health and social care systems by reducing hospital admissions and stays.

In its first year, the Hospice Rapid Access Service cared for more than 1,100 patients, delivering 33,376 nights of care, preventing hospital admission or intervention, equating to 91 hospital beds per day.

In the community, the teams delivered 216,954 hours of care for patients in their own homes, easing pressure on NHS colleagues and facilities.

The service delivers rapid and appropriate care, achieving this on average in three days from the original referral to the Hospice Rapid Access Teams.

Ellie Miller, Director of Care at Farleigh Hospice, said: "We are delighted that the Hospice Rapid Access Service has been recognised through this prestigious national award.

"Since its inception 20 months ago, the Hospice Collaborative has made significant progress in delivering an equitable model of care across mid and south Essex, with the needs of patients at its very heart. Everyone at Farleigh Hospice is incredibly proud that through this successful collaboration, we are ensuring that patients receive the highest quality care, in the most appropriate setting, at the end of their lives." 

Chanelle Wilson, Director of Clinical Services at Havens Hospices, said: "This means so much to everyone at the charity to see the difference we're making recognised among healthcare providers nationally.

"Helping people have choice, dignity and high-quality care at the end of their lives is at the heart of everything we do, and this award is a wonderful reminder of the importance of hospices in the local community."

Joanne McCollum, Director of Care and Commissioning and Caldicott Guardian at St Luke's Hospice, said: "It's wonderful for everyone involved to be recognised with this award, and we're very grateful to the panel. 

"The results of the project are far reaching; supporting our teams to deliver high-quality equitable care, meeting the wishes of our patient's preferred place of care and preferred place of death and the reduction in admissions and stays in our local Hospitals. I would like to acknowledge all those involved in this project across multiple locations including in our Hospices, care homes and people's own homes, along with our wider health and social care partners. Listening, responding and collaborating have been key in making the HRAS such a commendable and successful service."

Dr Matthew Sweeting, Executive Medical Director at NHS Mid and South Essex, said, "We are thrilled the Rapid Access Service, delivered by the Hospice Collaborative, has been recognised for providing this exceptional service to patients approaching the end of their lives.

"The award is well deserved and recognises the dedication and commitment of the three hospices in delivering this innovative service that is supporting people to have the dignity of choice in their place of care and death."