Gemma Cartwright
15 May 2025
Two of Kentown Support’s nurses were recognised on International Nurses Day (12th May) with a special award that celebrates their important work and the impact they have had in their community.
Kirsty Blackburn and Clare Grady-Smith were nominated by colleagues across the East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust, having joined as part of the Kentown programme last year. Between them, Kirsty and Clare have over 40 years’ experience in children’s palliative care.
“The award was a real honour. It has given us some much-needed positive feedback on the impact the service is having on the children and families that we care for,” Kirsty explained. “A huge aspect of the role is to support and upskill all paediatric colleagues to care for children and young people with palliative and end of life care needs, and this nomination confirms to us that we seem to be achieving that. We were both really shocked and surprised.”
Clare added: “I love inspiring the wider team and seeing them then implement their learning when caring for children and their families with palliative care needs. It feels like maximal impact, like a domino effect of improving practice for our children and families.”
The nomination praised Kirsty and Clare for having:
“transformed the care that we give to children at the end of life and in the palliative period. They are vital to the nursing and medical teams with years of experience and additional skills in caring for children at the end of life. We always know they will be there as soon as they can to reassure and support us to care for the children with their positive, proactive compassionate care. They are excellent role models. They have supported families at home and in hospital and have really got to know the families as individuals. They provide a paediatric end of life bespoke training day which is really appreciated. They are a fantastic addition to our paediatric family.”
Dr Helena Dunbar, Kentown Support CEO, said: “Congratulations to Kirsty and Clare on this much-deserved honour. They have played a critical role in improving children’s palliative care in East Lancashire, and the level of support they’ve given to families can’t be overstated. We’re delighted that trust has recognised the impact they’ve had as Kentown nurses.”