Background Coastal West Sussex Clinical Commissioning Group identified End of Life Care as a priority and in March 2014 reported upon a project analysis of how EOLC was being delivered against local and national priorities.

The CCG concluded that a two year project was required to develop and implement a seamless system of care for people at the EOL which delivers high quality patient outcomes and satisfaction through integrated working supported by clearly defined roles and responsibilities.

Aim St Wilfrid's Hospice Chichester and St Barnabas House sought to demonstrate their commitment, alongside the CCG, to improve EOLC across the whole population and thus extend their impact and involvement beyond those patients who are referred to hospice services.

Approach used The two hospices agreed the tripartite funding of the Project Lead with the CCG for a two year period to enable the redesign project to be effectively led and resourced.

The End of Life Stakeholder Steering Group was formed in July 2014, comprising of representatives from all key organisations involved in end of life care across the CCG area.

The CCG have commissioned the Hospices to set up pilot projects to provide additional access to specialist advice and assessment to prevent inappropriate admissions at the EOLC of frail elderly people in our population.

Outcomes The stakeholder group has successfully engaged to develop a collaborative EOLC model, and models for identification and co-ordination of care. Work is now under way to develop a model for central co-ordination as a collaborative venture.

Application to hospice practice Hospices can demonstrate their commitment to improving end of life care beyond their usual remit and by modest additional investment can use their flexibility and expertise to supporting the work of their CCG.