Hospice team praised for care at State awards

Albany Community Hospice team members have brought home half of the trophies given out at the 2019 WA Palliative Care Awards in Perth.

Hospice clinical nurse and acting manager Ingrid Plug was the winner in the outstanding professional category, while volunteer Alison Phipps won the outstanding volunteer award.

Ms Phipps said she was humbled by the recognition.

“I’m coming up to 18 months at the hospice. I got into it when my husband spent the last six weeks of his life here. It’s very close to my heart,” Ms Phipps said.

“This award means a lot.

“I think that with all of what hospice offered to myself and my husband, you just can’t put it into words.

“It was just the most amazing experience through the difficulty.

“They were so supportive in every way.

“And now I’m here supporting other families and I absolutely love it.”

Mrs Plug, who has been with the hospice since 2001, said the awards were recognition of the team’s dedication.

“We are so proud of the wins — it’s very overwhelming and humbling,” she said.

“It’s a testament to the work we do here and to the volunteers who give their time.”

Ms Phipps said the hospice team was like a family.

Both women said the wins were also testament to the support and generosity of the Albany community, which allowed the hospice to continue to flourish.

Albany Community Hospice is in its 30th year and is the only standalone hospice in WA which has operated for more than 10 years.