John, 77yrs, from Long Eaton, was announced Volunteer Worker of the Year at the awards on Thursday 16 March. Nicola was runner-up in the Palliative Carer of the Year category.
John has been a fundraiser and volunteer driver for nearly ten years at Treetops which provides nursing care and emotional support for adults, their families and carers across Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire free of charge.
Twice a day, five days a week, 52 weeks of the year, John can be found collecting people from home to bring to the hospice‘s Day Care Unit and returning them at the end of the day.
John Minter & Imogen Hopkins
A wonderful thing
John was ‘honoured’ to receive his award as he explained:
“To come first is a really wonderful thing but really this is for everyone at Treetops – it’s a real team effort from the chief executive downwards. Everyone is so friendly – I just love it!”
“People don’t realise what it’s like to be told that you’re not allowed to drive anymore. Guests say they’re frustrated because they can’t get out – it’s a big part of their life, their independence.
“I meet some lovely people doing my job and the hospice is great. We say you go there to live and make the most of what you’ve got left.”
Quick to go the extra mile
Imogen Hopkins, volunteer services coordinator nominated John and was thrilled that he won:
“This is such a well-deserved award and we’re so proud of John. He has a lovely manner with everyone and goes out of his way to help out where he can. He’s always quick to offer a helping hand and go the extra mile.
“Without his dedication to the patients and guests, many people who need hospice care would simply not be able to access it.”
Nicola Ward, 42yrs, from Ilkeston, joined Treetops as a Hospice at Home nurse a year ago. She is part of a team of over 60 nurses and health care assistants that provide overnight and day care support for patients who wish to be cared for at home wherever possible.
Nicola Ward & Carol Hopkins
An excellent nurse
Carol Hopkins, Treetops hospice at home manager, nominated Nicola as she explained:
“The thing that makes Nicola stand out is her passion for palliative care. I know that she will do 100% for every single one of her patients and their families. She is an excellent nurse and able to assess patient’s needs quickly and effectively and give them the care to manage their symptoms and make them comfortable.”
Last month, Treetops was ranked fourth in the in the Sunday Times 100 Best Not-for-Profit Organisations to Work For and awarded three-star accreditation for extraordinary levels of staff engagement.
Treetops services are available free of charge and include Support and Information, a Day Care unit based in Risley, Hospice at Home nurses and Therapeutic Services including counselling and complementary therapy.
