National award recognises pioneering end-of-life care in Sussex

An innovative digital tool helping people receive compassionate end-of-life care at home has won a prestigious national award.

The Comfort Tracker, developed by our dedicated Comfort Tracker team and used by our Adult Community Nursing and Remote Monitoring teams, won the Technology and Data in Nursing Award at the Nursing Times Awards.

Developed using feedback from patients and carers, the Comfort Tracker enables clinicians to remotely monitor symptoms, wellbeing and comfort for people receiving palliative and end-of-life care. By identifying changes in a patient's condition earlier, the system helps ensure timely interventions and coordinated support for patients and families when they need it most.

The innovative approach combines technology with compassionate, personalised care, strengthening communication between patients, carers and healthcare professionals and helping more people remain at home during the final stages of their lives.

Ann Thomas, Chief Nurse at Sussex Community NHS Foundation Trust said: "We are absolutely delighted that the Comfort Tracker team has received this national recognition. The project demonstrates what can be achieved when innovation and compassion come together to improve care for patients and families. This has been a fantastic achievement for SCFT and everyone involved should be extremely proud."

The Nursing Times Awards celebrate the very best in nursing and healthcare across the UK and recognise excellence, innovation and patient care.

The award-winning project is an example of how community healthcare teams are using innovation to improve experiences and outcomes for patients while ensuring care remains centred on what matters most to individuals and their families.

The Trust also celebrated further success at the awards, with colleagues receiving national recognition for their outstanding work.

The Children's Community Nursing team was shortlisted in three categories for its pioneering work supporting children and young people who require high-risk nasogastric tube feeding in the community. Their innovative approach has enabled thousands of feeds to be delivered safely by parents and carers at home, helping children receive safe, specialist care in familiar surroundings.

Congratulations also go to Caterina Speight, from the Trust's Homeless Health Inclusion Team, who was shortlisted for Nurse Leader of the Year. Nominated by her colleagues, Caterina was recognised for her inspirational leadership, commitment to tackling health inequalities and dedication to improving healthcare access and outcomes for people experiencing homelessness.

Ann Thomas, Chief Nurse added: “We are also incredibly proud of our Children's Community Nursing team and Caterina Speight, whose nominations reflect the extraordinary talent, dedication and expertise we see across our services every day. Together, the nominations and award win highlight the exceptional skill, innovation and compassion of community healthcare teams across Sussex and their commitment to delivering outstanding care for patients, families and local communities.”