Background and purpose of the framework

This framework has been codesigned and tested by commissioners, providers, and patient representatives from across Lancashire & South Cumbria, with the aim of raising quality and reducing variation in how palliative and end of life care services are delivered across the area. The framework describes what needs to be in place to support an exemplar patient journey, from the point of being identified as being within the last 12 months of life, through care and support, and into bereavement. The components of this exemplar journey are informed by the lived experiences of people receiving local services, as well as the working experiences of professional and paid caregivers delivering current services.  

Quality Improvement methodology has also been used throughout the development phase of this framework underpinned by the following publications, to ensure alignment to national and regional priorities:

• Ambitions for Palliative & End of Life Care (2021-2026)¹
• The North-West Model for Life Limiting Conditions (2021)²
• Palliative & End of Life Care Statutory Guidance for Integrated Care Boards (ICB’s) (2022)³
• Lancashire & South Cumbria ICS Palliative & End of Life Care (PEOLC) Programme Delivery Plan (2022-23)⁴

How to use this framework

At place level: An Excel self-assessment tool and improvement plan template has been developed to accompany this framework that will enable commissioners and providers to collectively benchmark current services against the components of the exemplar patient journey.

At commissioner level: Once the place self-assessment has been completed and areas in need of improvement have been identified, commissioners of services should use the levers and measures set out within this framework to commission their local services.

At provider level: Once the place self-assessment has been completed and gaps/ areas in need of improvement have been identified, providers of services should use the levers and measures set out within this framework to deliver their local services.

National ambitions:

1. I am seen as an individual
2. I have fair access to care
3. My comfort and wellbeing are maximised
4. My care is well coordinated
5. The staff looking after me are prepared to care
6. My community are prepared to help