Inquiry identifies significant shortcomings in palliative and end-of-life care

Key findings from the report include:

• There is a ‘postcode lottery’ in the delivery of palliative and end-of-life care (PEoLC), meaning access varies across the country.
• A lack of joined-up data collection means local health leaders are not able to properly understand PEoLC need and plan the right services.
• People struggle to navigate a complex PEoLC system.
• PEoLC patients often do not have the opportunity to plan for the care they want in the future.
• Moving more palliative care into the community is challenging under current funding arrangements.
• Staff shortages and significant gaps in social care are impacting the transition of PEoLC away from hospitals and into the community.
• Healthcare professionals need better training and education around PEoLC.
• Underserved and marginalised communities still have significant unmet needs in PEoLC.

The Government is making positive steps to address these issues, including announcing a new framework for palliative and end-of-life care earlier this week. This framework must deliver real, tangible change to ensure high quality PEoLC is available to all.

Commenting on the report, James Sanderson, the Chief Executive of Sue Ryder, said:

“This report comes on the heels of the Government’s announcement of 250 Neighbourhood Health Centres across England being operational by 2030, it is vital that palliative and end-of-life care providers, like Sue Ryder, are involved in the planning, set-up and delivery of care in these new settings.

“Charities like us will be able to reach more people who need care and bereavement support if we are made an essential partner in Neighbourhood Health Centres, and not a ‘nice-to-have’ service.

“Our charity already provides 80% of our care in the community, which is where most people want to spend their final days.

“By working in partnership with the sector, the Government can expand this and ensure that no one faces death or grief alone.”