Helston named ward of the year for end of life care
The Trust is thrilled to announce that Helston Community Hospital's Lismore Ward has been named ward of the year at the Gold Standards Framework (GSF) Awards.
Helston has also achieved the top level of reaccreditation from the GSF, alongside Stratton and Launceston. Having maintained the highest standards of care for 3 years, all 3 sites achieved platinum status.
The GSF is the UK's leading quality improvement programme for end of life care. This year's awards were held on 22 September in Birmingham. There, the Trust was among 147 organisations from across the country to be celebrated.
The awards recognise those who have achieved accreditation or reaccreditation. They also celebrate success across a range of special categories. That includes ward of the year, which went to Lismore at Helston.
"We were delighted to be nominated and absolutely thrilled to have been awarded GSF Community Hospital Ward of the Year 2026.
"We have been working hard to achieve this accolade for some time. The success is thanks to the dedication of the whole team at Helston.
"An extra special thank you to Bryony Tresidder and Naomi Halliwell. They collated the evidence to demonstrate the amazing end of life care the ward provides."
Trudy Addington, Sister
The GSF is a registered charity and has been running for 25 years. It supports frontline healthcare staff to deliver high-quality, compassionate care to people in the final years of life. Its aim is to ensure every person receives the best possible care, regardless of their condition, care setting, or provider. It also aims to ensure those people are supported to live well before they die and to die well in the place and manner of their choosing.
Emma Cases is the Trust's end of life care clinical facilitator. She has praised the dedication, compassion and teamwork of all 3 hospital wards:
"Achieving and sustaining a gold standard of care for people at the end of life takes collaboration across all staff on the wards. It also takes a real team effort to sustain the level of clinical diligence needed.
"All 3 wards were able to demonstrate this to the GSF panel. But what really stood out is the genuine connection the staff have with their local communities. That includes volunteers and the leagues of friends. They work together to keep patients and their families at the centre of everything they do. It is such a privilege to be part of. We are extremely proud of everyone involved."
Nicola Wilks, Matron for Launceston and Stratton added:
"I am incredibly proud of Launceston and Stratton wards for both their high scores and their ongoing commitment to maintain high GSF standards. I am also proud of how they share their knowledge and best practice across the wider teams.
"Their dedication has helped ensure that patients receive compassionate, high quality care while providing vital support to families during some of the most difficult times. They have also built strong and effective partnerships with the wider multi-disciplinary team. This supports timely, coordinated discharge planning where appropriate for patients approaching the end of life.
"Their collaborative approach, professionalism, and commitment to excellence continue to make a significant difference to the experience of patients and their loved ones.
"Well done to all teams. Thank you for your outstanding work."
The Trust's community hospitals provide specialist and compassionate care for patients with a range of health needs. This ensures people can receive high-quality support close to home.
Platinum accreditation recognises organisations that achieve the highest standards of end of life care. It also demonstrates their ability to sustain and embed those standards over time.