Volunteers who support dying patients at a hospital have been shortlisted for four awards.

‘Daisy’ volunteers at the Barking, Havering and Redbridge University Hospitals NHS Trust have helped 300 patients since launching in 2021.

Daisy volunteers play a vital role in supporting patients at the end of their lives who in many cases would otherwise be alone as they have no one able to visit them. They also provide the opportunity for relatives of end-of-life patients to take a break, knowing someone is with their loved ones.

Now the group has been shortlisted in four categories of the Patient Experience Network National Awards (PENNA).

The service has been nominated in the following categories: Partnership Working to Improve Experience, Strengthening the Foundation, Support for Caregivers, Family and Friends, and Personalisation of Care.

Grace Allick, from the chaplaincy team, said: “We’re really excited the Daisy Volunteer Project had been recognised and shortlisted for four awards. This valuable service provides companionship and support, as well as respite for relatives.”