We would like to say thank you to everyone who attended the event.
Please see the presentation used in the meeting.
Participants in the consultation event welcomed the introduction of the new model of care, recognising its potential to significantly improve care and support for patients in Harrow, as well as their families and carers. The proposed changes were seen as a positive step towards addressing gaps in service provision and enhancing the overall quality of palliative care in the region.
Summary of key discussions and points raised
- Gaps in specialist palliative care services
- Current services operate five days a week; proposed model extends to seven days
- Introduction of a lymphedema service for non-cancer patients
- Enhanced end of life care beds for patients needing more support than home care but not hospice care.
- Praised effectiveness of the existing 24/7 palliative care telephone line.
- Funding challenges and sustainability
- Concerns over reliance on charitable funds and changes to national insurance impacting hospice funding
- Recognition of the need for national initiatives to address hospice funding challenges.
- Impact on GP workload
- Minimal negative impact expected on GP workloads
- Alignment of community beds with specific GP practices discussed for better coordination.
- Community support and engagement
- Strong community support for better coordination of services for elderly care
- Preference for Option A due to staffing and operational practicality
- Emphasis on community involvement in shaping implementation strategies.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
- What are the key benefits of the new model?
- Seven-day specialist palliative care services
- Introduction of a lymphedema service for non-cancer patients
- Enhanced palliative care beds for patients requiring more support
- Continued 24/7 palliative care telephone support.
- How will the new model affect GP workloads?
- Minimal negative impact expected
- Enhanced end-of-life teams to provide supportive services
- GPs remain responsible for clinical care, with additional prescribing support.
- Is palliative care means-tested?
- No, palliative care services are not means-tested and are available to all patients from the point of diagnosis.
- How will the project be funded?
- Reallocation of existing NHS funds
- Utilisation of continuing healthcare funding
- Efforts to ensure fair payment for commissioned services.
- What measures are in place to ensure the sustainability of hospices?
- Working with hospice CEOs to ensure fair payment
- National initiatives focusing on hospice funding.
- What is Option A and why is it preferred?
- Option A involves enhancing existing services rather than reopening closed units
- Preferred due to practical staffing and operational challenges.