Research boost to improve care of terminally ill

A new regional research partnership is enabling LUHFT to improve care for palliative and end of life patients.

They will work with colleagues from across the region to develop improved approaches to palliative care, which is the management of pain and other symptoms that patients receive when they have an illness that cannot be cured.

The Palliative Care Research Partnership North West Coast (PalCaRe NWC) is funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR).

Professor John Ellershaw, Consultant in

Palliative Care, said: “It is essential that we enable patients who are receiving palliative care to live and die with dignity, as well as supporting their families throughout this time. We are delighted to be part of this partnership, as it not only means we can undertake more research into palliative and end of life care, but it’s also a real opportunity to improve what our patients and their loved ones experience whilst in our care.” PalCaRe NWC comprises of Lancaster University, University of Liverpool, University of Chester, UCLan, Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Liverpool University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, the Clatterbridge Cancer Centre NHS Foundation Trust and the Clinical Research Network North West Coast.

The partnership has launched a survey to understand more about local barriers. The survey is aimed at anyone working in palliative care, including people in hospitals and community settings. Share your views here: https://bit.ly/3C9IqRH

Personal end of life care

Within our hospitals we are committed to providing a person-centred approach to delivering integrated, responsive end of life and bereavement services and have launched our Vision and Strategy for End of Life and Bereavement Care 2022-25.

Our Trust strongly believes that end of life care is everybody’s business and that this strategy, including its six work streams and the introduction of the SWAN model of care, will drive the delivery of excellent and integrated services. As healthcare professionals we can play an important role in supporting patients and families to feel comfortable taking about dying and to make sure their wishes are known.

We will strive to ensure patients and those close to them receive the practical, emotional and spiritual support they require, and to provide high-quality facilities, information and resources to support them at the end of their life. End of life care is a key priority in our hospitals, and we have one opportunity to get it right.

The Specialist Palliative Care team can offer support for staff in addressing death and bereavement. Contact them on: 0151 706 2274 (5pm to 9am). Out of hours number 0845 223 2900 for Royal and Broadgreen or 0151 529 2839/2098 or out of hours via switchboard for Aintree.

Our Bereavement Service can also support staff and relatives by providing comprehensive information, guidance and support following the death of a patient at our hospitals. Contact: Aintree on 0151 529 2855 or Royal and Broadgreen on 0151 706 3805.