Background University Hospitals Plymouth (UHP) Emergency Department (ED) is a very large unit under intense pressure. To better support terminally ill patients, UHP commissioned a band seven Macmillan Cancer Support Registered Nurse (RN) End of Life facilitator. However, there was not enough time for the RN to both coordinate and deliver care for patients. Therefore, Marie Curie (MC), commissioned by UHP, are piloting the introduction of an health care assistant role to support patients and those close to them.

Aims The aim of the evaluation is to focus on what impact, if any, the Marie Curie health care assistants are having on patients, those close to them, and staff in the ED.

Methods The evaluation will be qualitative and comprised of an analysis of the following data sources:

• Reflective journals conducted by the health care assistants.

• Monthly reflective practice sessions with the health care assistants.

• Interviews with relatives of patients.

• Interviews with UHP and MC staff.

• Anonymised Episode of Care records.

Taken together these will provide rich data about the impact of the service.

Results The pilot project will run until June 2024, with the evaluation completed in July 2024. Between January and March 2024, 42 patients received one-to-one care. Initial results from one interview with a service user and reflective practice session indicate that the service improves the peace of mind of patients and those close to them through feeling relieved and reassured about the presence of the health care assistants.

Conclusion The final evaluation report will be completed in July. Early results indicate that the service is providing much needed care and support in an under-pressure hospital setting and making a positive difference to patients and those close to them.