Health & Lifestyle | Posted on October 13th, 2025 | return to news

Three Dorset hospitals recognised for end-of-life care

Alderney Hospital, Westminster Memorial Hospital and The Yeatman Hospital have received the Gold Standards Framework Quality Hallmark Award.

Alderney Hospital in Poole is amongst three Dorset hospitals which have been recognised for delivering exceptional care for patients with a terminal illness.

The three wards — Guernsey, Herm and St Brelades at Alderney — in addition to Ashmore and Shaston Wards at Westminster Memorial Hospital, Shaftesbury and Willows Unit at The Yeatman Hospital, Sherborne have received the Gold Standards Framework (GSF) Quality Hallmark Award.

The Willows Unit at The Yeatman Hospital was named GSF Ward of the Year for 2025.

Representatives from all five wards attended the GSF Conference and Awards Ceremony in Birmingham, where they were formally recognised for their work.

The GSF Quality Hallmark Award is granted to healthcare providers that proactively identify patients in their last year of life, assess both clinical and personal needs, and deliver care that avoids unnecessary hospital admissions. It also recognises organisations that support families and ensure dignity, respect, and peace for patients during their final days.

Carol Brand, specialist end-of-life-nurse practitioner at Dorset HealthCare said: “This recognition highlights our on-going commitment to delivering patient-centred, dignified care at every stage of life. Each award represents not only excellence in end-of-life care, but also the dedication of all our teams working tirelessly to support patients and their families through this incredibly difficult time. I’m very proud of everyone involved.

“Additional congratulations go to the team at The Willows for winning Ward of the Year – a fantastic achievement which highlights the team’s exceptional hard work and commitment.”