Based on findings from the service review in phase 1, four workstreams were formed to develop the project’s new service proposals. Each workstream comprises working groups which are represented by a range of professionals from the area’s health and social care organisations.
Three initiatives – improved education and training for all professionals, better support for patients and carers, and palliative care in care homes – are in the process of being implemented. The fourth workstream addressing the integration of care is being finalised in each locality.
Kate Heaps, Director of Nursing, Greenwich and Bexley Cottage Hospice said: “I am really excited about the opportunities that this project presents, particularly for community teams to work as one to support patients at home. Having worked in the area of palliative care in south-east London for the last 15 years, I know that there is already an enormous amount of fantastic development here.
"Now that we have the chance to redesign some of the services, I am looking forward to the next phase when we work creatively and collaboratively to really make a real difference to patients and carers.”
The project hosted two events in September 2009 to mark its progress to date as well to launch its new end of life care education and training strategy for south-east London.
Val Kelly, general manager at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Greenwich said: “All the themes this project is addressing are important and interlinked. Successful implementation of these proposals will have an enormously positive impact on patients, carers and families at what is a very low and frightening time for them.
“If we are able to develop a truly integrated service with a single point of contact, this will help simplify access to the full range of services needed by these patients at the end of life.”
Click here for highlights of the four workstreams that are being taken forward by the Delivering Choice Programme in south-east London.
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