In 2014 Clinical Commissioning Group undertook a Health Needs Assessment (HNA) for adult end of life care (EoLC) services. The results of the (HNA) formed the City EoLC Commissioning Strategy 2014–2019. A priority was to develop a model where specialist palliative care clinical nurse specialists provide 7 days of care in community and hospital settings. To take forward the two Hospices in the city worked in partnership with the acute Hospital to set up a community service that could be provided across the city. The service sought to provide support to patients, families and professionals to allow patients to be cared for in their preferred place of care and avoid hospital admission where possible. The service has been operating for over a year has been evaluated by Healthwatch. Healthwatch interviewed 59 people that had used the service between Oct–Dec 2014. They spoke to patients, families and professionals; 98% respondents said the service was useful. One person said it was not useful.

In what way was it useful – key themes:

• Emotional support

• Family/carer support

• Pain management/medical advice

• Choice and involvement

• Gateway to other services

Healthwatch allowed the service and the commissioners to capture the patients and families views without any bias. The service is continuously monitored and demand is increasing. A CNS will provide a 7 day service within the Hospital later this year, all three CNSs will continue to work together with primary care to provide comprehensive EoLC to the people of the city.

The project has been successful as a result of listening to the people of the city; working collaboratively, providers and commissioners and continuing to learn from patients, carers and professionals as the service develops.