Strictly  fab!  Ballroom star Anton Du Beke presented our chaplain George Spencer and Hospice colleague Karen Hagreen at the gala final of the Care Accolade Awards.

George and Helen are part of the Horizon group which was nominated for the "Most effective approach to integrated new models of care" and was Highly Commended.*  

The  award was for its work with the South Asian community in West Halifax on End of Life care. 

Unfortunately, last week's atrocious weather took its toll and only George and Karen could actually get there to the venue, the Hotel Ibis, Earls Court in London.

The snow-bound team members Zeenat Hussain (Muslim chaplain), Gillian Sykes, (CHFT End of Life Strategy Co-ordinator), Andrea Vickerman (End of Life Trainer) and Sail Suleman (Calderdale Council Cohesion and Diversity Officer) were kept in the loop over the phone.

George said:  "Anton was very funny and full of banter! He told us that his mother was a healthcare assistant, so he's very commited and genuinely interested in the healthcare system. He was excellent!"

George said: “We are going to put our glad rags on and go out for a meal up here to celebrate. As well as organise a thank you to the Madni mosque and colleagues who helped make the project a success.”

The Horizon Group - see attached photo -  is now moving forward an agenda with further workshops on End of Life Care. 

** First place was taken by Stockton and Hartlepool Integrated Discharge Team.