Background Pendleside Hospice at Home (H@H) service has been the single point of access (SPOA) for fast tracks for night care in the locality since May 2021. A proposal for the service to be part of the provider framework to deliver the night care was put forward to the Clinical Commissioning Group.

Aim To increase the amount of funded specialist palliative care night support for patients in their own home and to process applications in a timely manner. To raise the profile of the hospice and reach out to a wider group of patients ensuring sustainability of services.

Method Submit a proposal to commissioning services. Work collaboratively with other community providers to ensure a seamless service for patients and families. Recruit staff to deliver the proposed service.

Results Pendleside H@H were successful in their bid to be part of the night sit tender which has enabled the service to provide additional funded night care to patients on the caseload in addition to charitable funded nights (a requirement of the bid). There is an increased number of patients being identified earlier and accessing hospice services who may otherwise have not been referred.

Conclusion Commissioners aim to support patients whose preferred place of death is home, by means of providing an end of life care respite service enabling patients to remain in their usual place of residence. This service will support carers and family members to take breaks from caring for their loved one, whilst knowing they are in safe hands. This allows for continuity for patients and an overall better experience for patients and families.