The NHS Operating Framework for 2007-08 highlighted the importance of primary care trusts (PCTs) undertaking baseline reviews of their end of life care services. We will be issuing guidance on what the reviews should cover shortly. These reviews will provide information on the current position of end of life care services in PCTs and will help support the implementation of the end of life care strategy when it is published.
As part of the end of life care strategy, the analytical and modelling working group will be examining the true cost of providing end of life care. They will aim to estimate the cost of the services provided across the board by both the national health service and the voluntary sector, both general and specialist, in the last three to six months of a patient’s life and the current expenditure on end of life care services.
This information will inform the delivery of the Government’s manifesto commitment.