Imagine a groundbreaking shift in how palliative care reaches people at the most vulnerable moments—this is exactly what the Myton Hospices has achieved, earning the highly esteemed Innovator in Care Award at the 2025 Hospice UK Awards. But here's where it gets controversial: this accolade isn’t just about recognition; it highlights a transformative approach that could reshape the future of hospice care across the country.
The Hospice UK Awards annually honor the most innovative and impactful work within hospices and palliative care organizations nationwide. This year’s competition was fierce, with more than 150 entries competing across eight categories—making it the most competitive and impressive field yet.
The Innovator in Care Award celebrates those who have advanced the quality of care through creativity, teamwork, and visionary thinking. The Myton Hospices earned this honor for their pioneering GP Information Clinics, a project praised for radically changing how individuals with life-limiting illnesses, along with their families and carers, access crucial support and information.
This initiative was developed in collaboration with local Primary Care Networks, integrating specialized hospice expertise directly into general practitioner (GP) practices. Imagine it as bringing the hospice’s knowledge and compassionate care into the very places where patients initially seek help. This means that patients and their loved ones can receive personalized, timely guidance from healthcare professionals they already know and trust, right in their local communities.
By initiating care earlier in a patient’s illness journey, these clinics empower individuals to make more informed decisions about their treatment options. They also improve the overall delivery of support, making the experience less overwhelming and more supportive during a time that can often be confusing and frightening.
The moment of recognition came at the Hospice UK’s national conference in Liverpool, where Olivia Bowskill, a Registered Nurse and Community Engagement Manager at The Myton Hospices, accepted the award on behalf of the team. Reflecting on this achievement, Olivia shared:
“Winning this prestigious award is truly an honor. It emphasizes how vital it is to intervene early for those facing life’s hardest challenges. Many patients visiting these clinics discover support services they were unaware of before. Providing this kind of proactive, compassionate care during such a critical time—when everything can seem uncertain—makes all the difference in their journey.”
The judges highlighted the significance of this work, stating:
“The Myton Hospices have demonstrated that innovative partnerships and community involvement can dramatically change patient outcomes. Their efforts have tangible impacts and are influencing national improvements in early access to palliative care. Moreover, they are inspiring other hospices to explore community-based models of support.”
Ruth Freeman, CEO of The Myton Hospices, expressed her pride, saying:
“This award truly symbolizes our dedication to reaching individuals earlier in their illness and walking alongside them and their families every step of the way. The GP Information Clinics exemplify how innovation and collaboration can turn that commitment into tangible change. We are delighted that our efforts have been recognized by Hospice UK, and I want to extend special thanks to Olivia and everyone involved—including the GPs, healthcare professionals, and Primary Care Networks—who made this possible.”
Looking ahead, The Myton Hospices plans to expand the GP Information Clinics throughout Coventry and Warwickshire, enabling more patients to benefit from early, specialist support. Their ultimate vision is to establish this approach as a sustainable, community-centered model for palliative care—something that can be duplicated across the country to improve access and quality of end-of-life care.
About The Myton Hospices
The Myton Hospices firmly believe that every moment in life matters—particularly when a cure is no longer possible. Their mission is not only about end-of-life care but about supporting patients and families from the moment of diagnosis, helping them to find the best quality of life possible.
With three hospices located in Coventry, Rugby, and Warwick, they care for adults aged 18+ suffering from a wide array of serious illnesses—including respiratory, heart, neurological conditions, cancer, and organ failure.
Over the past year, demand for inpatient services has increased by 11%, leaving many at risk of dying while waiting for essential care. As the sole provider of hospice inpatient beds in Coventry and Warwickshire, the organization recognizes the urgent need for more beds—yet, due to limited funding, expanding services remains a challenge.
Being a charity, The Myton Hospices relies heavily on community support. They must raise approximately £12.7 million annually to cover the total cost of roughly £15.3 million to operate their services free of charge—a figure that includes only 17% funding from the NHS. The rest comes from donations, community fundraising, and local partnerships.
For those interested in learning more or supporting their vital work, visit their website at www.mytonhospice.org.
