Local hospices and NHS launch contact number helping anyone receiving palliative care to live well

People living in Luton and Bedfordshire needing advice, support or guidance on palliative and end-of-life care now have one clear way to access this, by calling NHS 111 and selecting Option 4. This is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

The brand new advice line offers one easy way for patients, families, carers and healthcare professionals to access a range of services, including psychological support, signposting, advance care planning, and support with symptom control to live well during the last year of life.

Launched through a special partnership between Sue Ryder St John’s Hospice in Bedfordshire and Keech Hospice in Luton, backed with support from acute and community NHS trusts across the area, NHS 111 (Option 4) offers one single point of contact for advice and guidance.

The team behind the new number hope it makes things much easier for people needing this support, while helping more people understand the real benefits of palliative care too.

Dr Tammy Angel, Chief Clinical Transformation Officer at Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust said:

“We want to ensure that our residents know that palliative care is not just about care at the end of life: it is about living well with comfort, choice and support. It is about making sure we focus on what matters most and empowering people to make informed decisions about their care and their future.”

Elaine Tolliday, Deputy Chief Executive Officer at Keech Hospice added:

“Anyone in Luton or Bedfordshire receiving palliative care, or their family, carers or healthcare professionals, can call NHS 111 and select Option 4 for expert advice and support. The service is free and is available 24/7, and no referral is needed.”

Alice Green Smith, Head of Transformation at Sue Ryder St John’s Hospice shared more about what the service can help with:

“Whether you need advice on living well with a life-limiting illness, help with making a referral, or need a direct connection to the right healthcare professional, our team is just one phone call away.

“The palliative care providers and partners hope the new phone line will have a positive impact for local healthcare services too.

“We hope the Bedfordshire Palliative Coordination Service will support our residents to avoid unplanned hospital admission and spend more quality time at home.”