In the lead-up to the NHS Lanarkshire Staff Awards 2026, we are shining a spotlight on the exceptional individuals and teams shortlisted for this year’s awards.
The ninth finalist in our spotlight series is Jennifer McLaren, a staff nurse with a special commitment to palliative and end-of-life care within intensive care.
Jennifer understands that, during the most difficult moments, families need more than clinical information. They need compassion, dignity and something meaningful to hold on to.
She has researched practice across the UK, helped standardise end-of-life care processes within the unit and shared her knowledge with colleagues and new members of the team.
One of Jennifer’s most personal contributions has been developing end-of-life care boxes for families. These include forget-me-not seeds, a memory candle, a sympathy card and keepsakes created using their loved one’s ECG and fingerprints, alongside bereavement and spiritual care information.
Jennifer has also introduced blankets and candles to help soften the clinical environment and make it feel less overwhelming for families. Those who have received the keepsakes have described them as deeply comforting and personal.
Jennifer has been shortlisted in recognition of the way she sees the person and family beyond the equipment of intensive care. Through her work, she turns compassion into thoughtful and lasting support when it matters most.
The NHS Lanarkshire Staff Awards ceremony will take place on Wednesday 7 October 2026.
Look out for our next finalist spotlight as we continue the countdown to the ceremony.
