Background People living and dying with non-malignant conditions, and those from minority communities face inequalities in both access to, and provision of, end of life care (Care Quality Commission, 2016; Tackling Inequalities in End of Life Care for Minority Groups VCSE Health and Wellbeing Alliance Project Group, 2018; Our commitment to you for end of life care. The government response to the review of choice in end of life care.Department of Health 2016). The length of time hospice care is given is shorter for those with non-malignant conditions (Allsop, Ziegler, Mulvey, Russell et al., 2018). This new two-year project role started in April 2019.

Aims To improve access and equity of access to hospice services; increase understanding of the diverse needs of our community; be recognised as a valued community-based service and effectively communicate the hospice role to health professionals and the wider public; seek out and effectively manage partnerships.

Methods First 12 months: April–August 2019; define and scope current situation; review current patient and local population data/demographics. Literature review. Map current partnerships and pathways. Survey staff to identify self-reported confidence and competence in providing care and support – identify training needs. Map existing available services in acute trusts and the community. Engage with external health and social care organisations. August 2019–March 2020: gap needs analysis of current service provision. Root cause analysis to identify barriers that minority groups might face accessing end of life care services. Continue with engagement with local partners.

Results We anticipate a greater understanding of the hospice’s role in meeting the palliative care needs of patients with non-malignant conditions. We seek to use these data and increased knowledge to assess and explore potential changes in service model delivery in response to identified unmet need. We aim to enable staff to provide personalised high quality end of life care regardless of diagnosis, age, ethnic background, sexual orientation, gender identification, disability or social circumstances through the development of training. We anticipate stronger partnership working to provide high quality end of life care.

Conclusions A proactive approach by the hospice in reviewing services and improving understanding/needs. An evaluation process of the role will occur.