A project supporting families after the death of a loved one in the emergency department at Ashford and St Peter’s Hospitals has been shortlisted for a prestigious Nursing Times Award.

Beyond Goodbye, developed by clinical practice facilitator Alexandra Ghica, with support from emergency department link nurse Sasha Campbell, has been recognised in the Critical and Emergency Care Nursing category for the difference it is making to bereaved families.

The initiative provides families with a thoughtful keepsake following a death in the emergency department. Each package contains forget-me-not seeds and planting instructions, a condolence card, a jewellery pouch and a handmade crochet heart or flower.

The aim is to offer comfort and compassion while giving families a lasting reminder of their loved one at a difficult time.

Alexandra said: “The Beyond Goodbye project is about making sure families know that their loved one is remembered and that they are not alone in their grief. The keepsakes are small, but they carry a great deal of meaning and compassion.

“The little things can make a lasting difference to someone who is grieving.”

The project has flourished thanks to the support of colleagues, volunteers and local knitting groups, whose handmade crochet hearts and flowers help bring comfort to bereaved families.

Stella Davey, divisional chief nurse at Ashford and St Peter’s Hospitals, said: “This is a wonderful example of the compassion and care our nursing teams show every day.

“Beyond Goodbye recognises that supporting families does not end when a loved one dies, and the thought and kindness behind each keepsake can make a profound difference at a difficult time.

“We are incredibly proud that this important work has been recognised by the Nursing Times Awards.”

The Nursing Times Awards celebrate excellence and innovation across nursing, recognising individuals and teams whose work is making a positive difference to patients, families and the wider profession.