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The Palliative Care Nursing Leadership Award is to honour a member of the Canadian Palliative Care Nursing Association whose practice reflects components of the mission and purpose of CPCNA.  This nurse must demonstrate extraordinary leadership through advocacy for high quality palliative care, through generating knowledge and research, establishing partnerships, and contributing to professional development of others through education, consultation, leadership and mentorship. 

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Theresa (Terry) Downing is truly a pioneer in hospice palliative care. In a career spanning five decades, she began nursing in acute care hospitals in the 1970’s in Victoria, BC. After moving to Victoria Hospice in 1986, she established herself as a force in promoting good palliative care.  As a clinician, Terry’s expertise and compassion made her a trusted ally for those in need and an inspiration to her colleagues. Terry's advocacy knew no bounds, and she has been a fierce champion for patients and families, ensuring they received the care and support they deserved. 

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Forever the innovator, Terry helped to initiate the Victoria Hospice Palliative Response Team, the first team of its kind in Canada. Her participation in research projects, coupled with her eagerness to apply findings to practice, led to many publications and elevated the standard of care in various settings. Terry’s commitment to continuous learning is evident in her pursuit of new knowledge and skills. As a teacher and mentor, Terry has impacted care providers at local, provincial and national levels, reaching across many sectors, from nurses to Home Support Workers.

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Her extraordinary leadership and unwavering commitment have propelled the field of palliative care forward in BC and beyond. Terry officially retired in February 2024, leaving a legacy that will endure for years to come. The CPCNA is proud to name Terry as the recipient of the 2024 Palliative Care Nursing Leadership Award.