Judith Lund wins BGS Special Medal for support of older people on discharge from hospital

The British Geriatrics Society (BGS) awards its Special Medal each year to someone who has made an outstanding contribution to promoting the health and wellbeing of older people. It recognises non-clinical professionals who have gone the extra mile through their work or volunteering to support older people.

This year’s winner is Judith Lund, manager of the British Red Cross team supporting older people across Hull and East Riding. Judith’s passion for helping older people to live fulfilling lives has made her invaluable to the British Red Cross’s team of staff and volunteers. One of her notable contributions is leading support for people to settle safely home after discharge from hospital. In 2022, her team helped over 1,700 people return home safely. Of these, 188 were over 90 years old. Activities provided by her team in 2022 included 5,100 phone calls, 2,500 appointments and 1,700 car journeys.

Judith’s ability to work with a wide range of people means that she and her team provide a caring and enabling response, catering for the varied needs of those she is helping. Judith invariably receives positive feedback for the kindness and commitment she and her team demonstrate. Without her dedication, many older people in Hull and East Riding would find it a huge struggle to regain their independence and would risk being isolated and lonely.

Judith will be presented with her Special Medal at the BGS Autumn Meeting 2023 which is taking place in Birmingham from 22-24 November.

Victoria Corbishley, UK Director of Health and Local Crisis Response at the British Red Cross, commented:

For many years, Judith has been a cornerstone of support and compassion for older people living in Hull and East Riding. She has developed and grown a team of volunteers and staff who deliver practical, emotional and wellbeing support to residents, enabling them to not simply live at home but to thrive and participate in community life. Judith is a tireless advocate for improving access and services for older people. I know she will want to share this award with her team, but I hope she takes a moment to recognise how truly special she is."

Professor Adam Gordon, President of the British Geriatrics Society, commented:

Judith’s work in Hull and East Riding to ensure the safe discharge of older people from hospital demonstrates the incredible impact that one individual can have. She is a credit to the British Red Cross and a worthy winner of the BGS Special Medal. The positive feedback she receives shows that her compassionate and attentive approach is making a real difference to the older people she helps.”

Judith Lund, winner of the British Geriatrics Society’s Special Medal, commented:

I am passionate about making a difference in the lives of older people through supporting people to remain independent, safe, and well at home. I am honoured that the British Geriatrics Society has recognised my work and I would like to take this opportunity to thank my amazing team of staff and volunteers without whom this would not be possible.”