26 May 2025

Palliative care nurse wins excellence award

From Afternoons, 1:10 pm on 26 May 2025

Most of us try a few different jobs in our lives - and work in a few different places - but once Sally Hanrahan made the decision to become a nurse, that was it. And what's more, she has stayed in the same speciality, for almost 35 years. Sally is a palliative care nurse, and her exceptional dedication, skill and experience were recently recognised at the Southern Nursing Excellence Awards. She meets people as they are coming to terms with the end of their lives and while there is an inherent sadness to be had in that. she says it is a gift to spend time with them, to get to know them and to try and help them find whatever peace and comfort they need. Jesse spoke with Sally before her next shift at the Otago Community Hospice.

Sally Hanrahan's almost 35-year career as a palliative care nurse was recognised at the latest Southern Nursing Excellence Awards.

Sally Hanrahan's almost 35-year career as a palliative care nurse was recognised at the latest Southern Nursing Excellence Awards. Photo: SUPPLIED/Otago Community Hospice