Yesterday’s update on the Modern Service Framework for palliative and end of life care is a welcome step forward. In particular, the focus on earlier identification, reducing inequalities, and moving towards more sustainable commissioning for hospice services reflects priorities that are critical for the future of end of life care.
Across the hospice sector, organisations are working hard to continue making a meaningful difference in their communities while also addressing the challenges of long-term sustainability. The current funding climate remains one of the most challenging we have seen, making progress in these areas more important than ever.
At Community Hospice, we see every day the impact that earlier, more proactive and equitable care can have for people approaching the end of life and for those close to them. We remain committed to working closely with our system partners, commissioners and our ICB to co-design services that respond to the needs of our communities.
We are grateful for the collaborative approach shown by our partners, recognising the value of hospice care and the vital role hospices play within the wider health and care system.
As this work progresses, it will be essential that ambition is matched by sustainable funding and commissioning arrangements for hospice services. Without this, there is a risk of placing increasing demands on a sector already under significant pressure.
We remain committed to playing our part – working collaboratively, innovating where needed, and staying focused on what matters most: ensuring people receive compassionate, high-quality care and support at the end of life.
Aneta Saunders, Interim CEO, says: "We see every day the difference that compassionate hospice care makes to people and families facing some of life's most difficult moments. We're encouraged by the ambition set out in this framework and remain committed to helping ensure more people can access the care, dignity and support they need, when they need it most."
We remain committed to playing our part – working collaboratively, innovating where needed, and staying focused on what matters most: ensuring people receive compassionate, high-quality care and support at the end of life.