A TEAM responsible for end of life care to children and young people are finalists of a prestigious national award.

Gully's Place on the children's ward at Poole Hospital has specially trained staff and purpose-designed space for families facing the most difficult times in their life.

The team is one of just 11 shortlisted nationally in the Compassionate Patient Care category of awards run by the Health Service Journal.

“It is a fantastic achievement to be a finalist at these awards, which are widely viewed as the Oscars for cutting edge healthcare,” said Karen Fernley, acting matron for paediatric services at Poole Hospital and one of the key figures behind its creation, along with Helen Parker, lead nurse for palliative and end-of-life care.

“As far as we know Gully’s Place is a unique service, and one that is truly built around our younger patients and their families,” said Karen.

“Hospitals are not often arranged to give families the quiet space or privacy needed when an infant or child dies in hospital.

“It is so reassuring to know that whether a child’s death has been sudden or expected, we can offer Gully’s Place as a kind of sanctuary to those patients and their families, offering true choice in end of life care.

She added: "Parents and families are hugely appreciative of what we offer at such an incredibly difficult time.

“We have everything crossed for the ceremony.”

At any one time, there are around 400 young people in Dorset who spend their final moments in hospital either planned, or sudden deaths.

As well as providing overnight accommodation and specialist areas to make being in hospital as relaxing and calm as possible, the unit offers education and training courses to healthcare staff and runs a dedicated support group for parents and families.

Last year also saw the launch of Gully’s Retreat – a beach hut which provides the opportunity for families to spend quality time together and generate memory-making opportunities. Gully’s Place’s services are also now available at Dorset County Hospital.

The unit, named after Diane Gulliford known as 'Gully' whose donation to the hospital in 2009 helped establish the service, is supported by a dedicated group of volunteers and fundraisers - Gully's Place Trust Fund.

The awards ceremony takes place on Wednesday, November 23.