News and events

Our Children’s Community Nursing (CCN) team has been named Team of the Year at this year’s national Children’s Cancer and Leukaemia Group (CCLG) Awards, recognising their exceptional contribution to paediatric oncology care across West Hertfordshire.

The award celebrates healthcare teams who demonstrate excellence, compassion and best practice in caring for children and young people with cancer. The CCN team was praised for consistently going above and beyond to support patients and families, delivering complex care at home, and working seamlessly with hospital and hospice partners to ensure children receive safe, responsive and compassionate support.

The award was presented during the annual CCLG Conference this month in Manchester, where specialist nurses, clinicians and professionals from across the UK gathered to share the latest developments in children and young people’s cancer care. The CCN Team were recognised for setting a “gold standard for children’s community nursing in oncology.” 

Alicia Ieronymides, Team Lead for Children’s Community Nursing, said: “We are absolutely delighted to receive this award. Caring for children and young people with cancer in their own homes is a real privilege, and we are incredibly proud of the difference this makes to families every day. 

“This recognition reflects the dedication and compassion of every member of our team, as well as the strong partnerships we have with our colleagues at West Hertfordshire Teaching Hospitals Trust. We are committed to continually developing our skills so we can provide the very best possible care.”

The Children’s Community Nursing service operates seven days a week from 8am–6pm, with 24 hour on call cover for end-of-life care, enabling families to remain at home if they choose. The team provides a wide range of complex therapies at home – including administering chemotherapy drugs, and IV antifungals and antivirals – reducing hospital visits and supporting children to spend more time with their families.

The team work closely with colleagues at the Paediatric Oncology Shared Care Units (POSCUs) at West Hertfordshire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust and two other local POSCUs to ensure continuity of care across the West Hertfordshire area. Patients and families consistently provide outstanding feedback on the team’s dedication, empathy and professionalism.

The award ceremony was attended by Alicia and Cira Morton, Band 6 Children’s Community Nurse. Alicia’s attendance at the conference was supported by The Evie Dove Foundation, which funds and supports the clinical development of people working in or returning to paediatric care.

Caroline Dove from the Evie Dove Foundation said: “We select, sponsor and support incredible individuals driven by a desire to care for children and their families and were proud to sponsor Alicia to attend the CLCG 2026 Conference. 

“Her passion for her work with children and desire to improve the care of children in Hertfordshire shone through and we loved the testimonies she shared from families and from colleagues.”