Funding for palliative care service for patients and families extended five years

Salisbury NHS Foundation Trust has announced that, with the support of the Salisbury Hospice Charity, the Salisbury Specialist Palliative Care service has been secured for the next five years.

Community Specialist Palliative Care services are commissioned by HCRG Care Group, the community healthcare provider for Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire.

Under the new agreement, the core services provided by Salisbury Specialist Palliative Care Service will remain fully operational and central to the care offered to patients and families. This includes the 10-bed Hospice inpatient unit, the community palliative care team, outpatient and day services, and family and bereavement support.

As part of the revised service model, the healthcare assistant delivered domiciliary care service, known as Hospice at Home, will come to an end.

There will be no change to the specialist community palliative care service. Patients will continue to receive expert support in their own homes from a consultant-led team of clinical nurse specialists working closely with other healthcare professionals to provide coordinated, compassionate care.

Nikki Spicer, head of Trustees at Salisbury Hospice Charity, said, "We know this will be deeply upsetting news for many. Hospice at Home has meant so much to so many families, and we understand the sense of loss this will bring.

"We also recognise the significant financial pressures facing the NHS and the hospice sector more widely. Like many charities, we are experiencing rising costs alongside increasing demand for palliative and end-of-life care."

At this moment, we want to recognise everyone who made Hospice at Home possible. To our dedicated staff and volunteers, and to every supporter who gave, fundraised or spoke up for the service – thank you.

Salisbury NHS Foundation Trust remains committed to working with partners across the health and care system, and with the continued support of Salisbury Hospice Charity, to ensure high-quality palliative care for patients and their families across the region.

Managing Director Nick Johnson said: “We’re pleased to secure the future of the Salisbury Specialist Palliative Care service for the next five years, ensuring patients and families continue to receive compassionate, high-quality care. This agreement reflects strong partnership working and our ongoing commitment to delivering expert support, particularly for those being cared for at home.”