Background Dorothy House Hospice aims to provide outstanding palliative and end-of-life care, and bereavement support. With demand for these services rising, it is important to understand the changing needs of the local community to ensure DH continues to provide the best service for its community in the future. Palliative, end-of-life and bereavement services were examined, with community respondents encouraged to express hopes and preferences for service delivery. This work was funded by BANES Healthwatch.

Aim To understand the perceptions and needs of the communities served by Dorothy House Hospice.

Method In September 2021, online and paper surveys were disseminated via social media and Dorothy House Hospice retail shops respectively. Using closed questions with multiple choice and free-text questions, the survey collected feedback and preferences about:

1. End-of-life care

2. Bereavement support.

3. Rapid support in crisis situations.

4. Volunteer support.

Quantitative and qualitative responses were collected; this abstract presents the qualitative data.

Results 104 responses were received (Wiltshire n=58; Bath & Northeast Somerset n=37; Somerset n=9). Most respondents (90%) were aged 45+, 92% female and 97% white British. Face-to-face provision at home was the preference for all four services, voted by at least 85% of respondents. Qualitative data evidenced respondents’ hopes in having more person-centred care, with a well co-ordinated care system providing all-round support for patients. Having excellent communication channels for listening to concerns and providing advice was cited as helpful. For example, having a ‘listening ear’ for bereavement support. Respondents frequently stated that support should be readily available and accessible, especially for mental health and emergency situations.

Conclusion The Dorothy House Hospice local community require their palliative and end-of-life care services to focus on providing timely, person-centred care, that can respond quickly at times of crisis and meet mental health needs. Information about local palliative and end-of-life care services and support needs to be more readily available to the general public, and frequently communicated.