Award nomination for paramedic who improved end-of-life care
Date: 3 September 2026A paramedic whose work has helped improve end-of-life care for patients and families across Suffolk and north east Essex has been recognised by her colleagues.
Megan Kelly, an Advanced Paramedic in Urgent Care based in Weeley, is a finalist in the ‘Excellence in Patient Care’ category at the East of England Ambulance Service's (EEAST) Stars of EEAST awards.
The awards, which celebrate the achievements of ambulance staff and volunteers across the east of England region, will be held in Peterborough on 10 September.
Megan's advanced training and scope of practice means she can often provide patients who are nearing the end of their lives with the care they need in the comfort of their own home, rather than in hospital.
Colleagues who nominated Megan praised the high standard of care she provides and the support she gives to patients and families during some of the most difficult times in their lives.
One of Megan's biggest achievements has been helping to change EEAST guidance for caring for children who are nearing the end of their lives.
Following her own experience of treating a child receiving end-of-life care, she recognised an opportunity for improvement and worked proactively to develop enhanced guidance for colleagues across the Trust.
The updated guidance means that, in some cases, children can stay at home if that is what they and their families want. To support this work, Megan spent time at The East Anglia’s Children’s Hospice Treehouse in Ipswich to make sure the new guidance reflected best practice and the needs of families.
Megan is also a valued source of advice in the ambulance service. She helps other ambulance crews gain confidence in caring for patients receiving end-of-life care, and delivers training sessions to share best practice.
Megan is also part of the team helping EEAST train its workforce in the Gold Standards Framework (GSF), a nationally recognised programme that supports high-quality end-of-life care. The programme helps healthcare staff identify patients who may be in the last year of their life and ensures they receive personalised and compassionate care that respects their wishes.
Megan Kelly said:
"Improving care for patients at the end of their lives is something I am deeply passionate about, so I am incredibly honoured to be nominated for this award.
“Every patient deserves compassionate, high-quality care that respects their wishes and helps them remain where they feel most comfortable, whether that's at home or elsewhere. Being able to support patients and their families at such an important time is a privilege.
“This nomination isn't just a reflection of my work. It recognises the support, dedication and commitment of so many colleagues across the Advanced Practice in Urgent Care team, our operational crews and the Emergency Operations Centre.
“We all share the same goal of providing the very best care for our patients, and I am proud to work alongside such passionate and talented people every day."
Justine Di Fede, Regional End of Life Care Lead at EEAST, said:
"Megan is an outstanding clinician whose compassion and dedication make a real difference to patients and their families during some of the most difficult moments of their lives.
"Alongside providing exceptional care, she has played a key role in improving end of life care across the organisation. From developing new guidance to support children nearing the end of life, to educating colleagues and championing the Gold Standards Framework project, Megan's work is helping to drive lasting improvements in care.
"Her commitment to supporting others, sharing knowledge and putting patients at the heart of everything she does is truly inspiring. I am incredibly proud of the difference she continues to make for patients, families and colleagues across the Trust."
