Health Minister Stephen Kinnock is set to announce reforms to end of life care, aiming to allow more people to die in their own homes rather than in hospital. In a speech to the Hospice UK conference, Kinnock will pledge an end to the “postcode lottery” in palliative care, with a new “neighbourhood health” model that integrates community teams, hospices, care homes, and paramedics to share care plans.
The reforms come in the wake of traumatic accounts of patients being repeatedly admitted to hospital against their wishes in their final days. The government says rapid response teams will help manage symptoms such as pain, and community-based advice will support more people to die at home. Integrated care boards will be required to ensure higher and more consistent quality of end of life care, with a final plan to be published next spring.
Charities have welcomed the commitment but stressed the need for proper funding. Matthew Reed, chief executive of Marie Curie, said: “Too many people are dying in pain, frightened and without support… This is a vital and long-overdue step. Promises now need to become action.” Toby Porter of Hospice UK warned that “hospice services are being cut” and called for fair funding this year to deliver community-based services.
The announcement follows MPs’ earlier vote to legalise assisted dying in some circumstances, which has intensified scrutiny of palliative care quality. Steve Smith of St Christopher’s, the modern hospice movement’s home, expressed encouragement at the focus on ending the postcode lottery.
