We would like to say thank you to everyone who attended the event. If you have any questions or feedback, please email nhsnwl.endoflife@nhs.net
Please see the presentation used in the meeting.
The Brent Community Specialist Palliative Care consultation event provided a valuable opportunity for residents, healthcare professionals, and stakeholders to share their perspectives on proposed changes to local services. The discussions highlighted strong support for service improvements, while also raising important concerns about accessibility, continuity of care, and workforce sustainability. This document summarises the key feedback received, ensuring that all voices are reflected.
Summary of key themes and contributions
1. Access and service provision
- Many participants welcomed the expansion of community specialist palliative care nursing teams to 12-hour coverage (8AM-8PM) and the introduction of a 24-hour advice line, ensuring that more patients and families receive timely support.
- Some worried about how these services would be staffed, given existing workforce shortages, and whether they would be consistently available across all boroughs.
2. Enhanced end-of-life care beds
- The addition of 46 new enhanced end-of-life care beds, including nine in Brent, was widely praised as a means to bridge the gap between home-based care and hospice admission.
- Some attendees raised concerns about where these beds would be located, questioning whether care homes could provide the same level of specialist support as a dedicated hospice setting.
3. Continuity and coordination of care
- Care needs to be taken to make sure that patients moving between different care settings (home, enhanced end-of-life care beds, hospice at home and hospices) did not experience fragmented care, requiring them to adjust to multiple care teams.
4. Choice and equity of service provision
- Residents appreciated the increased choice in hospice inpatient care to all hospices in north west london, removing previous geographical limitations and enabling them to access multiple providers.
- Some stakeholders feared that closing Pembridge Palliative Care Inpatient Unit could disproportionately impact certain communities, particularly those in deprived areas with limited transport options.
5. Workforce sustainability
- Efforts to upskill existing healthcare workers and attract more professionals to north west London’s palliative care sector were widely supported.
- The ability to recruit and retain specialist palliative care staff remains a significant challenge, with concerns that workforce gaps could delay the successful rollout of services.
6. Implementation timeline and future sustainability
- Many acknowledged that a structured, phased implementation plan could ensure long-term stability and improvements in service provision.
- Some attendees were worried about potential delays and future funding uncertainties, fearing that services could be impacted by wider NHS financial constraints.
Frequently asked questions
1. What are enhanced end-of-life care beds?
These beds serve individuals who do not meet the criteria for a hospice admission but cannot be cared for at home. They will be based in care facilities with weekly specialist palliative care ward rounds and round-the-clock nursing support by healthcare professionals with enhanced palliative care skills and knowledge.
2. Where will the 46 enhanced beds be located?
Each borough will determine the best locations, considering care homes, nursing facilities, and community health centres. Hillingdon already has a successful model in place.
3. How will this impact people who would have used the Pembridge specialist palliative care in patient unit?
- If the consultation decision is for Pembridge inpatient unit to remain closed, residents will continue accessing alternative inpatient hospices alongside the planned enhanced at-home services.
- If the consultation decision is for Pembridge inpatient unit to reopen, it would reintroduce a localised inpatient option, but recruitment challenges may delay implementation of the inpatient option and the planned enhanced at-home services.
4. How will families and caregivers be supported?
- A 24/7 palliative care advice line will provide guidance and emotional support.
- Expanded bereavement support and psychological services tailored to Brent’s diverse population.
- Longer hours of support from community specialist palliative care home visiting teams.
- 9 new enhanced end of life care beds for those unable to remain being cared for at home or in their usual place of residence.
5. Will this model affect hospice inpatient care?
No. The existing 57 hospice beds will remain unchanged, with additional 46 enhanced end-of-life care beds introduced to provide more options.
6. How will workforce challenges be addressed?
A focus on upskilling existing healthcare workers in palliative care, recruitment initiatives, and making NW London an attractive place for specialist palliative care professionals.
7. Will changes be delayed if Pembridge reopens?
Yes. Recruiting staff for Pembridge’s inpatient unit would divert resources and delay the broader service improvements. The consultation seeks input on whether this is the best use of resources.