THE Covid crisis produced heartbreaking difficulties for care staff looking after dying patients who had to be kept isolated from loved ones.

So Diane Newman knew she had to be both creative and go further than normal to help.

Diane, from Aspire Living, has been nominated in the Palliative/End of Life category for the way she handled the last days of a patient at a residential home in Hereford.

Nominator Pam White paid tribute to her ‘outstanding care, commitment and dedication.’

“Di recently supported an end of life gentleman at Chatsworth road residential care home and considered all elements of the gentleman's life - including rearranging his bedroom so that favourite items and family photographs along with customary personal, reassuring and wished for possessions were in view and in reach of the gentleman.

“With Covid-19 restrictions and guidelines to consider and be implemented, Di was determined to maximise every possible opportunity for the gentleman and his family to have this vitally important time together.

“She achieved this by physically moving the room around, ensuring eye contact and verbal communication could be present for all at this very painful time.”

“Alongside nursing this gentleman in his last weeks Di supported emotionally struggling staff helped other residents who have profound communication difficulties to make cards to ensure that they had the opportunity to say goodbye.”

For his final journey to the crematorium Di arranged a send off outside the home where family/staff and friends could safely pay their final respects, to the sound of his favourite songs, music and instruments.

“Di provides first class end of life care, giving attention to detail in a person-centred manner, she thinks outside the box ensuring all personal and emotional needs are met.”

For more info on the awareds go to www.herefordtimes.com/awards/healthandsocialcare/

The Winners will be announced in a star-studded live broadcast in October.