The NHS North West London Board has approved a new, single model of adult community specialist palliative care across all eight boroughs, following an extensive three-year process of engagement, co-design, and public consultation.
The decision confirms the adoption of Option A, the preferred approach developed in partnership with local residents, clinicians, hospices, and voluntary and community organisations. The new model will improve equity, consistency and access to high-quality care and support for people in the last phase of life, regardless of where they live in north west London.
Key benefits of the new model include:
- 46 new enhanced end-of-life care beds, with all existing 57 inpatient hospice beds retained
- a 24/7 advice line and round-the-clock access to care at home
- a more equitable and culturally competent model of care
- faster implementation and better value for money, including £8.7 million in annual acute cost avoidance
- strong support from across all boroughs
- a fairer NHS/charity funding balance and increased sustainability for our local hospices.
Robyn Doran, Senior Responsible Officer, Adult Community Specialist Palliative Care programme and Director of Transformation and Brent ICP Director, Central and North West London NHS Foundation Trust said:
"This is a significant milestone for north west London. For the first time, we will have a single, consistent model of palliative care that delivers on the things people told us mattered most, access, responsiveness, cultural sensitivity, and support close to home. We are incredibly grateful to the many people who shared their experiences to help shape this model. This new approach will not only improve care but help safeguard the future of our vital hospice services."
As part of the decision, the Board has also confirmed the formal closure of the inpatient unit at Pembridge Palliative Care Centre, which has been out of operation since 2018 due to long-standing workforce challenges. While this may be disappointing for some, NHS North West London has reiterated its commitment to maintaining Pembridge as a key location for community-based specialist palliative care, including day hospice, outpatient support, and home-based care.
Dr Lyndsey Williams, Clinical Lead for Last Phase of Life at NHS North West London said:
"We know how important it is to deliver care that meets people’s needs at the most vulnerable time in their lives. This model is grounded in what local communities and professionals have told us. While difficult decisions were necessary, including the confirmation of Pembridge inpatient unit’s closure, we are confident this model provides a more responsive, personalised and sustainable service for the future."
The Board’s decision follows support for Option A during public consultation and will now move into the implementation phase. NHS North West London has committed to continuing its collaborative approach as services transition to the new model.
If you have any questions about the new model of care that is being introduced, please email nhsnwl.endoflife@nhs.uk
ENDS