St Margaret's Hospice Care held two special awards ceremonies to recognise the exceptional contributions of their staff and volunteers recently. 

Both events were a true celebration of the commitment and compassion to the hospice.


Ann Lee, CEO of St Margaret’s, Joy Milliken, the hospice’s clinical director, and Mel Merrill, head of volunteering, honoured volunteers and staff members with Long Service Awards, who have selflessly devoted to various roles within the hospice

Joy said: “These dedicated individuals have generously offered their time and skills to support the hospice in diverse capacities, ranging from aiding in clinical environments to maintaining the hospice's beautiful gardens, fundraising, and providing vital assistance in retail stores.” 

 St Margaret's has long been a pillar of the community, providing essential care and comfort to patients and their families during challenging times.
 
As one of her last actions before her retirement, Ann said she was proud to present the awards and expressed her gratitude and admiration for the long-serving volunteers and staff.

"To make time and to take time to care for others is the biggest gift any human being can do for another. It takes dedication, stamina, empathy, courage, bravery, kindness and sacrifice. 

"As a hospice we are nothing without our people and our volunteers extend our capacity and capability as an organisational wide team to make a difference to people with end-of-life care needs across our country.

Their dedication has personally transformed lives, uplifted spirits, and truly exemplified the values of our charity and the very essence and spirit of compassionate person-centred care that we strive to achieve every single day.”

 Mel added: "Our volunteers contributions extend far beyond the tasks they undertake. They bring comfort, solace, and a sense of community to both our patients and our team.

"Our long serving volunteers have dedicated an incredible combined total of 595 years of volunteering service between them and this awards ceremony is a small token of our immense appreciation for their continuous support." 

The occasion served as a reminder of the hospice's essential role in the local community and the enduring spirit of compassion that drives their mission forward.