Virtual hospice initiative recognised

The website and app titled ‘ehospice’ has been shortlisted in the ‘Healthcare and Medical Research’ category in the Charity Awards, Civil Society Media’s annual awards program.

The awards program aims to identify, recognise and reward organisations doing exceptional work in all areas of charitable activity.

Commenting on the shortlisting, Daniel Ward, ehospice project manager, said: “We are delighted that ehospice has made it to the shortlist of these prestigious awards – a notable achievement, particularly given it was launched less than two years ago.”

Mr Ward added ehospice strives to share knowledge and expertise about hospice and palliative care to a wider audience.

ehospice was set up to connect the range of different professionals working in end of life care across the world, by offering a central platform where they could access the latest developments in the sector, collaborate and share knowledge. Importantly, it also gives a voice to people living with life limiting illness, their families and carers.

Less than two years old, ehospice now has 12 editions from around the world and has recently continued its global expansion with the launch of an edition in Latin America published in both Spanish and Portuguese.

PCA manages the Australian edition of ehospice. Dr Yvonne Luxford, PCA chief executive and chair of the ehospice management committee, said this was just the beginning of what could be achieved through the project.

“Being shortlisted for this award is a tremendous compliment given how young the platform is. I’m confident that as ehospice grows, we’ll start to realise real improvements in patient care through the sharing of best practice and knowledge in an internationally collaborative manner.

“Each year, 20 million people require palliative care yet less than 10% receive it. We’re providing a place where health professionals can go to access the latest information and resources, and where people living with terminal illness, their families and carers can share their stories. It’s a truly unique project.”

The award nominees will be judged by a panel of voluntary sector experts, each of them leaders in their own fields with years of experience in leading and managing Civil Society organisations.

To decide the winners, the judges will assess each entry against 10 Hallmarks of Excellence – 10 traits or attributes that should be present in any successful project. Winners will be announced on 12 June 2014.

Learn more about ehospice by watching this video.