Background More and more people are dying behind bars as a result of the rising number of older people in UK prisons. In the past 10 years, deaths in prison from natural causes rose by 77%. This has created a pressing need for end of life care, which is only rising as the number of older people in prison with poor health increase. Project ECHO™ is a worldwide movement providing an online learning and support methodology, and is an effective model which increases participant support, collaboration and knowledge, and promotes healthy working relationships between individuals.

Methods In 2022–2023, Hospice UK secured the support of the Ministry of Justice, HM Prison and Probation Service, NHS England and the UK Heath Security Agency to pilot an ECHO™ network focused on end of life care in prisons in England with the aim to share learning and best practice for both custody and healthcare staff. The pilot sessions started in November 2022 and run 6 weekly.

Results 240 people have registered for the Community of Practice and the table below shows subject matter and numbers who have attended thus far:

Conclusions Early evaluation and feedback of the project so far indicates an increase in collaboration and shared learning between traditionally isolated colleagues across England and Wales. Trust underpins each session, with the mantra of ‘All Teach, All Learn’ making it an environment where relationships can flourish which can help colleagues to have a proportionate and responsive call to action for challenges that may arise.