An introduction and overview of all of the health and care systems in the UK, including how they are structured, health and care policy and guidance, and palliative and end of life care policy.
Introduction
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The COVID-19 pandemic has heightened awareness of death, dying and bereavement at a public and policy level. Governments and health and care systems across the UK are reconsidering their priorities for palliative and end of life care.
In some areas the statutory structures that deliver health and care services have changed and new legislation and guidance has set new priorities.
Hospices often fulfil multiple roles. They work within and alongside statutory health and care systems but are also often independent charities, voluntary sector providers and advocates of palliative and end of life care.
Mutual understanding, engagement and co-ordination between hospices and statutory systems is varied across the country. It can be difficult to know how the local system works, how it is organised and who you need to work with. We’ve put together some information to help.
