Admission to hospital at end of life is the only safe and responsible outcome for many people. Collating palliative care admissions/ deaths in hospital as one “negative” ignores the fact that dying in hospital is absolutely the best place for many people and often supported exceptionally well. Without reliable and timely access to social care, trained nursing/medical care, symptom control medicines and equipment, admissions to hospital will remain the only option for many. Hospice beds are limited. Future care planning and preferred place of care/death need to always take into consideration the local availability of resources. Without the infrastructure in place those who do remain at home will continue to face challenges and those involved in caring for them may worry about future deaths in community lowering professional thresholds for hospital referral. Community, front door and ward patient care are one large continuum but it starts and often ends (admission and discharge) back with a focus on community.

Fabulous opportunity to come and join the palliative care team in Trafford Community.

Congratulations to @CCCNHS Palliative Care Team who have been awarded the @macmillancancer Professionals Excellence Award in Quality Improvement Excellence for its AMBER Care Bundle. Link in our comments for more information. (📷 : @macmillancancer)

Great idea - keeping heads,toes and hands warm makes such a difference - please support if you can 🧤🧣🧤