Calls for submissions on quality of palliative care within the UK

Written submissions are being invited on the standards of care across the palliative care sector within the UK.

The Palliative and End of Life Care Commission is asking for submissions from doctors, hospitals, hospices, charities, disability rights organisations, and others with experience of palliative and end of life care. 

The commission was established last 12 months and is searching for to discover strengths and weaknesses in palliative care provision, in addition to current barriers to care throughout the system.

It is being spearheaded by chair Professor Sir Mike Richards, alongside Rachael Maskell MP and Baroness Finlay of Llandaff.

Written submissions are being invited ahead of the commission’s first oral evidence session in Parliament next week. 

The commission says that the palliative care sector is facing “significant challenges”, including a shortfall in funding, recruitment, provision and access.

It is searching for evidence not only from UK stakeholders but those overseas as a way to discover models of best practice for the sector here.

Findings and suggestions from the review will likely be compiled in a report back to be presented to the health secretary and parliamentarians at a future date.

Sir Mike said, “I’m delighted to have been invited to chair this vital and independent commission. I led the event of the primary end of life care strategy for England in 2008, but I actually have not been involved on this area in recent times.

“I’m subsequently very keen to evaluate the present state of palliative and end of life care within the UK and for the commission to make recommendations on how provision will be improved.”