'I'm incredibly proud of my team': Leeds care leader shortlisted for top award

A Leeds care 'I'm incredibly proud of my team': Leeds care leader shortlisted for awardleader has been shortlisted for an award recognising her work supporting people receiving end-of-life care.

Hayley Hare, a service leader at Community Integrated Care's Montague Drive service in Leeds, is a finalist in the Palliative/End of Life Care Award category at this year's Great British Care Awards – Yorkshire.

The award recognises people who provide exceptional end-of-life care, helping individuals maintain dignity and comfort while supporting their loved ones.

In less than 12 months leading Montague Drive, Hayley has made a significant impact by encouraging colleagues to provide personalised care that puts people's needs and wishes first.

Her approach is reflected in the support provided to a person receiving end-of-life care who has also been diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer's.

Recognising the importance of nutrition and enjoyment at mealtimes, Hayley and her team introduced specialist pureed meals from Wiltshire Farm Foods.

The meals are designed to resemble familiar dishes and have helped significantly increase the person's food intake and enjoyment of eating.

The team has also worked with the Community Learning Disability Team to create a dementia-friendly bedroom environment that meets the person's changing needs.

Knowing her love of horses, colleagues arranged for horse-themed wall murals to be installed, providing familiar surroundings and reassuring points of reference when her awareness fluctuates.

The work reflects the team's philosophy that "end of life support does not mean end of life thinking", with a focus on making life as comfortable and meaningful as possible.

Hayley said: "End-of-life care is about so much more than meeting someone's physical needs. It's about understanding what matters to them, helping them feel comfortable and respected, and making every moment count.

"I'm incredibly proud of my team and the care they provide every day."

Edd Terrey, managing director at Community Integrated Care, said Hayley had made a "fantastic impact" in a short space of time.

He said: "She leads with compassion and determination, encouraging her team to look beyond the day-to-day and find ways to make life better for each person they support.

"The care she and her colleagues are providing to this individual is a powerful example of this, and we're delighted to see Hayley's dedication recognised."

Community Integrated Care has also been shortlisted for the Care Innovator Award at the Great British Care Awards – Yorkshire for its What To Do programme.

The awards celebrate the achievements of people working across the care sector and their contributions to improving lives.

The ceremony takes place on Friday, November 6.