Background The hospice vision is to help all in Central Lancashire facing life-shortening illnesses to have a good quality of life and when the time comes, comfort and dignity in death through specialised care, support and information that is available wherever and whenever it matters most.

The Commission urged hospices to find new ways to engage with local communities and learn about their needs.

Knowledge Exchange (KE) recognises the importance of sharing expertise, learning from others and empowering the local community to help themselves and each other.

Aims of KE are to

• Empower local people through access to trustworthy information and resources to enable independence and choice

• Ensure staff have the right knowledge skills and confidence to help local people achieve their wishes at the end of life

• Share our expertise and specialist knowledge with others to influence end-of-life care (EoLC) in other settings

• Work with local and regional universities, colleges and other education providers to bring new qualifications, education programmes and research opportunities to the local area.

Methods

• Partnerships with local organisations - provision of expert information to help people plan for the EoL eg Birchall Blackburn Solicitors, Civil Service

• Patient education programmes to support people to self-manage

• Working with CCGs and local NHS trusts to develop a community based education programme for professionals

• Partnerships with local colleges and universities to develop of a suite of EoLC qualifications

• Student programmes and placements.

Results

• More people influenced by hospice care

• More people empowered and inspired to help each other

• More training, education and professional development in EoLC available to local professionals.

Conclusion

• KE builds on traditional and formal education structures to open a conversation with local people, professionals and students

• KE is helping to influence the provision and understanding of EoLC amongst health professionals and the local community.