Compassionate care expert from Wrexham in running for national award

A compassionate care expert from Wrexham is in line for an award for ensuring people reaching the end of their lives have a dignified death.

Trainer Sophie Smith, 27, has a reputation for delivering exceptional palliative care at the Pendine Park care organisation.

Sophie, who lives in Brynteg, has been shortlisted for the Excellence in Palliative and End-of-life Care Award – sponsored by Hallmark Luxury Care Homes – at the 2024 Wales Care Awards, dubbed the Oscars of social care.

This year’s presentation ceremony, sponsored by Ontex Healthcare, will be held at the Holland House, Cardiff, on October 18 and will be hosted by radio and TV presenter Jason Mohammad.

“I was surprised to be nominated. My focus has always been on simply giving the best care possible to each person and their family,” said Sophie.

“None of us really know what happens after we pass away – and that’s why I feel it is important to ensure that at every stage of care – even after a patient passes – we treat them and their families with respect and dignity.”

After working part-time at Pendine Park as an admin assistant, Sophie went to university and gained a master’s degree in law.

She came back to work in palliative care however, realising that ensuring end-of-life care was respectful and compassionate was something that really mattered to her.

Among the reasons Sophie was nominated was her work to change the advance care plans that the nurses complete.

She highlighted that they were too clinical and needed two parts – clinical and personal. On the personal side, understanding things like a person’s favourite music, who they want around them, even whether they would want the curtains open or closed and the importance of reviewing regularly.

She has not only helped care staff understand that everyone wants a dignified death she has trained the staff to feel comfortable asking these difficult questions.

Sophie added: “What we do stays with people for a lifetime.

“Losing a loved one is always difficult so we need to do all we can to support them and that is what drives me.”

Fellow trainer Laura Shone said: “Sophie showed her passion for care through coronavirus and volunteered to work in the isolation unit with some very poorly residents some of whom had covid.

“She makes dignity in death less of a scary and intimidating idea and more of a beautiful experience and has helped to implement and train staff on end-of-life care, so they all feel that they are able to be involved.

“The staff know that she is always there if they need some assistance in this area and Sophie will always encourage them as this is an area of care she is passionate about.”

Mario Kreft MBE, Chair of the Wales Care Awards, added: “Our aim is to recognise the unstinting and often remarkable dedication of our unsung heroes and heroines on the front line of social care across Wales.

“If you don’t recognise the people who do the caring you will never provide the standards that people need and never recognise the value of the people who need the care in society.

“It is a pleasure to honour the contribution of all the finalists. Each and every one of them should be very proud of their achievement.”