Consultant Nurse and Trust Lead, Palliative and End of Life Care, Portsmouth Hospitals University NHS Trust

Across more than four decades in the NHS and charity sector, Dr Sarah Russell RN has been a steady, compassionate force in palliative and end‑of‑life care. Since 1993, she has worked in specialist palliative care, supporting patients and families through some of the most complex and sensitive moments of their lives. Throughout those years, services have evolved and expectations have changed — but the commitment of individuals, teams and organisations to do their very best has remained constant. Sarah’s leadership embodies that determination.

Sarah leads the Trust and Hospital Specialist Palliative Care Team at Portsmouth Hospitals University NHS Trust, serving a population of over 675,000 people across Portsmouth and southeast Hampshire. Her nurse‑led team provides a 365‑day service, supporting nearly 3,000 people each year with symptom control, psychological support and compassionate end‑of‑life care — helping people to be where they choose to be, and ensuring families feel supported throughout.

Her leadership is rooted in clinical expertise, education, evidence and strong multidisciplinary partnerships. One of the most powerful examples is the Emergency End of Life Response Team (EELRT) — a multi‑organisational collaboration between Portsmouth Hospitals University NHS Trust, The Rowans Hospice and Hampshire and Isle of Wight Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust. EELRT provides coordinated, rapid support for people in the last days of life, breaking down organisational boundaries to deliver a “one‑stop” response at the point of need.

The impact is profound. In its first six months, 88% of referrals died in their preferred place, supported at home or in care homes, or rapidly discharged from hospital. This equates to 816 bed days avoided and £580,796 saved, but more importantly, it reflects care that honours people’s wishes, dignity and comfort.

EELRT is a clear example of the 10‑Year Health Plan’s shift from hospital to community — keeping care where people want it, improving quality of life and strengthening collaboration across local providers. Through rapid specialist assessment, coordinated information, and Hospice at Home support, the service enables “safe enough, brave” shared decisions that place patients and families at the centre.

I have worked in the NHS and the charity sector for over 40 years, including in specialist palliative care since 1993. Over that time, much has changed, while many things have remained the same,” reflects Sarah.

“One constant has been the determination of individuals, teams and organisations to do their very best for patients and their families, particularly when things don’t go to plan or when services fall short of what’s needed.

The NHS is not perfect, but it continues to move forward with a clear commitment to providing and improving care.”

As the NHS marks its 78th birthday and the first anniversary of the 10‑Year Health Plan, Sarah’s story is a reminder that transformation is powered not only by new models of care, but by people who lead with compassion, evidence and partnership to ensure that every moment of care matters.