A palliative care expert was left stunned after winning a golden double at the social care 'Oscars'. Sophie Smith, 27, from Wrexham, was honoured with two gold awards at the Wales Care Awards. The trainer scooped the gold award for Excellence in Palliative and End-of-life Care Award, sponsored by Hallmark Luxury Care Homes, at the ceremony in Cardiff.
She was nominated for delivering exceptional palliative care and end-of-life care training at the Pendine Park care organisation in Wrexham. But Ms Smith, from Brynteg, was surprised when her work was recognised with a second gold award, this time in the Dignity in Care category. She received her award from Jeremy Miles MS, cabinet secretary for health and social care, as the award was sponsored by the Welsh Government.
Ms Smith said: "I was totally stunned. "I knew I was in the running for the first award and I was shocked to win that. "I went to the awards with my friend and when they announced the Dignity in Care award I didn’t even realise they called my name.
"It was only when she started screaming that I’d won that it clicked." The ceremony, sponsored by Ontex Healthcare, was held at Holland House, on October 18, and was hosted by radio and TV presenter Jason Mohammad. Ms Smith was nominated for her work to change the advance care plans that the nurses complete.
She highlighted that they were too clinical and needed two parts - clinical and personal. On the personal side she found that it is important to have an unders.
