Kirsty Phillips, Geminick Siriban and Jeffrey Rojas work side by side on the specialist unit, supporting patients and their loved ones through the final hours and days of life. The trio were surprised to receive the award, which recognises the extraordinary kindness, compassion and dignity they showed during one family’s deeply emotional journey.
The heartfelt nomination, submitted by a relative of a patient cared for on Peddars Way, highlights the lasting impact the nurses made – not only in providing expert end‑of‑life care, but in offering comfort, reassurance and humanity at a time when it mattered most.
The nomination said: “We were given the news that Mum was at end-of-life and had around 72 hours left. By the next day she had been referred to Peddars Way for end-of-life care.
“Gem and Jeffrey went above and beyond to support us as a family while taking care of mum. hey supported my partner staying overnight with Mum as well. Jeffrey and Kirsty were just outstanding, that really is the only word I can think of to sum up how they treated us. They were with me every step of the way, monitoring changes so I could get family in before mum passed. When I was alone and needed to collect myself they were there with a hug or a back rub and a kind word.
“As a family we could not have asked for mum to have been anywhere else at the end because I truly believe her passing would not have been as kind and gentle as it was without these people. It takes a special kind of person to work in end of life, and I truly believe that the QEH found three earth angels to be in the unit when they found these wonderful people.”
Kirsty Phillips, Nursing Associate, said: “I’m really overwhelmed. I just do it because I love my job and to be recognised for what we do, makes it all worthwhile.”
Jeffrey Rojas, staff nurse, said: “This award is a real affirmation for the three of us and the entire team we share it with. While we value the recognition, this is simply the work we are called to do. We hope it gives other nurses confidence in providing palliative and end‑of‑life care. The role itself is deeply rewarding, but to be recognised by grieving families who take the time to thank us is truly next level.”
This week (4 – 10 May) is Dying Matters Awareness Week. Dying Matters Week is an initiative to raise public awareness about the importance of talking more openly about dying, death, and bereavement.
Geminick highlighted how important it can be to begin conversations about death and dying, particularly with family members who have little experience or understanding of the process.
Geminick said: “It’s difficult to start those conversations, especially with family members who don’t know what to expect. But this is the reality, and that is something that they should know, because giving them the knowledge and the information about death and dying will help them navigate their own coping mechanisms, their own feelings, their expectations to themselves, to their families, and to the process itself.”
The ‘Living Our Values Outstanding Contribution’ monthly award recognises Team QEH staff when they go above and beyond their duties. Nominations are received from patients, their loved ones and colleagues. The award is for both clinical or non-clinical roles. If you know somebody working at the Trust who demonstrates our values of Kindness, Wellness and Fairness in their actions please do nominate them a ‘Living Our Values’ awards here.
The monthly Living Our Values award is part of The QEH’s reward and recognition programme and is funded by The QEHKL Charity.
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