Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (OUH) is to launch a new palliative care project designed to enhance the quality of life for patients living with life-limiting conditions.
A collaborative effort between Oxford University Hospitals, Sobell House Hospice Charity, Macmillan Cancer Support, and Social Finance, the new project will aim to improve access to personalised care for people in the Oxfordshire and South Northamptonshire area.
One of the three phases of the project, ‘Home Hospice,’ will endeavour to support people at the very end of their life whose choice is to die at home. Here, Patient Support Workers will provide domiciliary care and support, which is to be further supported with specialist oversight from OUH palliative care teams.
According to Oxford University Hospitals, the project is to be supported through a funding £6.1 million agreement between the trust, Macmillan and Social Finance, while Sobell House has entered into a grant agreement with OUH to provide up to £4 million in financial assistance.
Dr Victoria Bradley, Clinical Lead for Palliative Medicine, OUH, said: “I am very pleased that this project is now live. One of the main drivers behind it is improving patient choice and experience during end-of-life care.
“By reducing the length of time in hospital, people can continue to be cared for at home with the right support in place. Sometimes, people would rather be in familiar surroundings at the end of their life, and this project allows them to have power of choice and agency on how they receive their palliative care.
Amelia Foster, Chief Executive at Sobell House Hospice Charity, added: “Sobell House Hospice Charity is delighted to be able to support this much-needed and innovative partnership project which will enhance palliative and end of life care across Oxfordshire and South Northamptonshire.
“We are proud to be able to work with OUH NHS Foundation Trust, Macmillan and Social Finance to improve access to care for those who want to die at home.”
