Dying Matters in Rutland recognises end-of-life care with award

Two businesses that care for people in their final days have been recognised for their compassionate care.

Dying Matters in Rutland hosted its second annual awards ceremony last week to hand out The Rutland Snowdrop Award, which celebrates compassionate health and care workers who go above and beyond to support someone at the end of their life.

Nominations were invited, based on people’s personal experiences.

This year, Wisteria House, a care home in Uppingham, and Snowdrop Home Care, based in Cold Overton, were given The Rutland Snowdrop Award for Compassionate Care.

Jayne Sharratt, the manager at Wisteria House, said: “We always work hard to ensure all residents wishes, preferences and views are individualised and implemented when receiving end of life care to allow the resident to feel comforted, knowing that their wishes are being fulfilled at this important time in their life.”

Louise Bloor, director at Snowdrop Home Care Rutland, said: “We were delighted to hear that we have been nominated for the Rutland Snowdrop Award. The touching feedback from the families who have nominated us is very rewarding and it is wonderful to see that our hard work makes such a positive difference”.

The awards were given by the Lord Lieutenant of Rutland, Dr Sarah Furness, who is also the patron of Dying Matters in Rutland.

Dr Furness said: “I’m delighted to be able to highlight the valuable work that is done by so many health care workers who support people and their families during their end of life.

“It is the human, less quantifiable side of care that can make all the difference to ensure someone’s end of life is comfortable, peaceful and has dignity. I really hope people in Rutland will continue to put nominations forward to Dying Matters, as the valuable work done by carers deserves to be recognised and celebrated.”

Tesco in Oakham donated hampers with teatime treats, to help the winners celebrate their awards.

Dr Hilary Fox, who helps to coordinate the award programme for Dying Matters in Rutland, said: “We received a great selection of very commendable nominations for the Rutland Snowdrop Award. Our panel of Judges have had the difficult task of deciding who should receive the Rutland Snowdrop Award.

“Reading through the application forms with the details of the nominees, it is heart-warming to see the personal thought and consideration the nominees have given to the people they have cared for. It is clear, that they take great personal effort to get to know the person they are caring for. Many of the health and care workers who have been nominated are prepared to go beyond the standard requirements for good care, to provide genuine support and comfort. This matters greatly, not just to the person who is being cared for but also to their loved ones.”

If you know an exceptional health or care worker or care team who have gone above and beyond to help improve the end-of-life experience of someone you know, you can nominate them for The Rutland Snowdrop Award 2025, by filling out an application form at: www.dyingmattersleicestershireandrutland.com/rutland-snowdrop-awards