Our Impact
Read our report: Together for Better Palliative and End of Life Care
In a series of four workshops, we brought together partners from across West Yorkshire to understand and address persistent and long-standing issues in the delivery of palliative and end of life care (PEoLC) In West Yorkshire. By looking at the system through the eyes of communities who are seldom reached currently, the workshops began to identify specific barriers for those groups and issues that are common for all users of PEoLC. This report sets out key findings and recommendations for future delivery of palliative and end of life care.
Our Strategic Objectives
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Resilience
By establishing open data sharing and a unified pricing approach, the ICS and collaborative have developed a long-term financial settlement plan. This shift from annual negotiations to a recurring settlement provides greater income certainty and sets a shared roadmap. A single point of contact now standardizes data and negotiates for the group, replacing the previous system of local negotiations, saving time, and promoting consistency. -
Equity
Our group has focused on equity and inclusion, examining access and service design. Initial analysis of patient demographics revealed that while hospices reach beyond traditional communities, gaps remain. Joint workshops with the ICB highlighted four under-served communities—children and young people, ethnically diverse groups, Gypsy, Roma, and traveller communities, and those affected by homelessness. We aim to address these gaps through ongoing collaboration. -
Partnerships
The collaborative pools influence and expertise, actively participating in key decision-making groups like the Systems Leadership Executive Group and the palliative care steering committee. Our active involvement ensures that we are represented in system-wide initiatives, further strengthening our role and impact within the broader healthcare landscape while enhancing service integration and improving patient care outcomes significantly. -
Unity - Stronger Together
Four years in, the collaborative continues to meet monthly and remains resilient despite personnel changes, with only three hospices maintaining consistent leadership throughout this period. Rotating chair, vice chairs, and working groups maintain momentum and engagement. Recognised as a model of joint working by Hospice UK, the collaborative continues to build networks and actively learn from best practices regionally and internationally.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Shared learning and support
Deeper relationships and an understanding of other hospices, their shared challenges, and unique perspectives
A joint approach to financial settlement that offers potential for longer term, secure funding
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A single point of contact for ICB leads, saving countless hours of NHS time
The ability to work in a coordinated way to bring hospices alongside the ICB as commissioner, providers, and holders of specialist staff and expertise
Joint mapping of system gaps through organised workshops, bringing together a diverse range of stakeholders
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Work is underway on:
Building a more resilient hospice provision for the region
Narrowing health inequalities across West Yorkshire
Seeking new solutions to well-known problems in the palliative and end of life care system