Essex paramedic wins top award for transforming end-of-life care across ambulance services

Justine Di Fede, EEAST's Regional End of Life Care Lead, was presented with the Chief Executive Award at the Trust's Stars of EEAST Awards on 10 September, in recognition of her work to improve care for patients nearing the end of life.

Under her leadership, EEAST became the first ambulance service in the country to work towards training its workforce in the Gold Standards Framework (GSF), helping clinicians identify patient needs earlier, understand their preferences and ensure they receive the right care in the right place.

The programme is helping transform the way ambulance clinicians support patients approaching the end of life, enabling more personalised care, improved decision-making and closer working with partner healthcare organisations.

The award was presented by EEAST Chief Executive Neill Moloney at the Trust's annual staff awards ceremony in Peterborough.

The Stars of EEAST Awards celebrate the dedication and achievements of staff and volunteers who go above and beyond to support patients and communities across the East of England.

Justine's work has focused on embedding the principles of the Gold Standards Framework across the Trust. The nationally recognised framework helps healthcare professionals provide high-quality care for people who may be in the last year of their life.

The training equips ambulance clinicians with the skills and confidence to recognise patients who may be approaching the end of life, understand their wishes and work collaboratively with other services to ensure care aligns with those preferences wherever possible.

Under Justine's leadership, Gold Standards Framework principles have also been introduced within EEAST's Advanced Practice in Urgent Care team. This is helping clinicians provide more compassionate, personalised support to patients and families at some of the most challenging moments of their lives.

The programme is already attracting attention from across the country, with several other ambulance services beginning their own journey towards Gold Standards Framework accreditation after seeing the progress made by EEAST.

Justine joined EEAST in 2015 after starting her ambulance service career with South East Coast Ambulance Service. Having worked as a frontline paramedic in Mid and South Essex, she moved into Training and Education before joining the Trust's Clinical Lead Team in 2024 following completion of a Master's degree in Emergency Medicine.

Alongside her clinical leadership role, she is also a qualified emotional intelligence coach and supports the delivery of coaching programmes for colleagues across the Trust.

Justine Di Fede said: "I am honoured to receive this award and it came as a huge surprise when my name was read out.

"This award reflects the hard work and dedication of colleagues across EEAST who are committed to providing the best possible care for patients nearing the end of life. I am very grateful for their support in helping make this happen.

"The Gold Standards Framework is helping us provide compassionate care that respects patients' wishes and supports their families. I'm proud that EEAST is leading the way in this important area of care."

Presenting the award, Neill Moloney praised Justine's commitment to improving patient care and the difference her work is making across the Trust.

EEAST Chief Executive Neill Moloney said: "Justine has not only improved care for patients and families across our region, but she has also helped position EEAST as a national leader in end-of-life care.

"Her vision, leadership and determination have driven significant improvements in how our clinicians support some of the most vulnerable patients we care for. The impact of her work is being felt across the Trust and is now influencing ambulance services more widely.

"This award is a fitting recognition of her outstanding contribution to patient care, and I am delighted to see her receive this honour."

The Chief Executive Award is presented to an individual who has made an exceptional contribution to the Trust and its patients. Justine's recognition reflects both the lasting impact of her work and EEAST's commitment to delivering compassionate, person-centred care for patients at every stage of life.

Photo caption: Justine Di Fede receives her Chief Executive Award from Neill Moloney, EEAST Chief Executive, at the Stars of EEAST Awards.