Palliative Care

Health and Social Care Committee Open Non-inquiry session
Opened: 5 Mar 2025 Parliament page
The Health and Social Care Committee has established and commissioned a politically impartial panel of experts to conduct an evaluation – independently of the Committee – of palliative care in England . The Expert Panel will produce a report after each evaluation which will be sent to the Committee to … Read more
13 Recommendations
9 Conclusions
1 Report
1 Oral session
2 Letters
1 Event
Activity timeline 5 events
19 Jun
2026
Report published
24 Mar
2026
Report published
4 Feb
2026
Correspondence
7 Jan
2026
Oral evidence
14 Jan
2025
Correspondence
Oral evidence sessions 1 session
7 Jan 2026
View on parliament.uk
Oral Evidence
Dr Amanda Doyle OBE · NHS England Dr Edward Scully · Department of Health and Social Care Dr Sarah Mitchell · NHS England Stephen Kinnock MP · Department of Health and Social Care
Title HC No. Published Items Response
6th Report - Palliative Care HC 1763 24 Mar 2026 22 Responded
Recommendations & Conclusions
22 results
1 Conclusion Accepted
6th Report - Palliative Care
We were highly concerned by the findings of the Expert Panel’s report, which revealed a...
We were highly concerned by the findings of the Expert Panel’s report, which revealed a sector in need of urgent support across all settings, underserving individuals from already vulnerable patient groups. The end of life system is fragmented, difficult to … Read more
Government Response
The government accepts the concerns, stating it will develop accountability arrangements with the National Quality Board, refresh statutory guidance and service specifications later this year, and expect ICBs to complete integrated needs assessments to address the issues.
Department of Health and Social Care
View details
2 Conclusion Accepted
6th Report - Palliative Care
We welcome the Government’s plans to introduce a Modern Service Framework to set national standards...
We welcome the Government’s plans to introduce a Modern Service Framework to set national standards for palliative and end of life care services, and the Department’s commitment to co-produce this work alongside key stakeholders. However, we approach this with a … Read more
Government Response
The government recognises variable access to palliative care for children and young people and states the MSF will provide a framework for improvement with specific metrics. They will refresh statutory guidance and service specifications later this year to support ICB commissioning, and NHS England published guidance for ICBs in April 2026.
Department of Health and Social Care
View details
3 Conclusion Not Addressed
6th Report - Palliative Care
We are unclear about what is fundamentally different about this framework compared to existing documents,...
We are unclear about what is fundamentally different about this framework compared to existing documents, such as the Ambitions Framework and the NHS National Standards for Palliative and End of Life Care. In particular, what different approach it will take … Read more
Government Response
The government response discusses existing and refreshed guidance for 24/7 palliative and end-of-life care services and out-of-hours medicines access, but does not clarify the unique aspects of the Modern Service Framework or its implementation and accountability.
Department of Health and Social Care
View details
4 Recommendation Not Addressed
6th Report - Palliative Care
If the Modern Service Framework is to deliver meaningful change it must be more than...
If the Modern Service Framework is to deliver meaningful change it must be more than a well-intentioned ambition. ICBs and the Department need to be held accountable for meeting the Framework, with clear consequences if its standards are not met. … Read more
Government Response
The government's response pivots to discussing changes in ICB and local authority collaboration, focusing on the Neighbourhood Health Framework and 'place' level working. It does not address the committee's specific recommendation regarding accountability arrangements or consequences for ICBs failing to meet the Modern Service Framework standards.
Department of Health and Social Care
View details
5 Recommendation Rejected
6th Report - Palliative Care
We are concerned that the Minister was unable to commit to providing clear and specific...
We are concerned that the Minister was unable to commit to providing clear and specific standards and guidance for babies, children and young people’s palliative and end of life care in the Modern Service Framework (MSF). We strongly recommend that … Read more
Government Response
The government rejects the recommendation to include specific standards and commissioning guidance for children and young people's palliative care within the Modern Service Framework. It states it is considering targets and metrics as the full MSF is developed, focusing on early identification of palliative care needs.
Department of Health and Social Care
View details
6 Conclusion Not Addressed
6th Report - Palliative Care
It is unacceptable that access to 24/7 palliative and end of life care services remains...
It is unacceptable that access to 24/7 palliative and end of life care services remains patchy throughout England. Individuals nearing the end of life should be able to access the right care, advice and medication, wherever they are and regardless … Read more
Government Response
The government response discusses the importance of data and dashboards for commissioning and performance oversight, but does not address the committee's specific concern about patchy 24/7 palliative and end-of-life care services beyond telephone lines.
Department of Health and Social Care
View details
7 Recommendation Not Addressed
6th Report - Palliative Care
We recommend that the MSF includes specific guidelines and requirements for ICBs to enable access...
We recommend that the MSF includes specific guidelines and requirements for ICBs to enable access to 24/7 PEoLC services, including access to symptomatic medication, and in-person care where necessary. We call on the Government to provide an assessment of both … Read more
Government Response
The government response discusses the Single Patient Record and its legislative framework, but it does not address the recommendation to include specific guidelines in the MSF for 24/7 PEoLC services or to provide an assessment of the workforce and potential savings.
Department of Health and Social Care
View details
8 Recommendation Not Addressed
6th Report - Palliative Care
The role of social care in the provision of palliative and end of life care...
The role of social care in the provision of palliative and end of life care has been overlooked for far too long, and we are concerned that the Government’s plans to remove local authorities from ICBs will only make the … Read more
Government Response
Despite a 'Partially Accept' label, the government's response discusses generalist workforce training and education frameworks for healthcare professionals, which does not address the recommendation to reconsider removing local authority representation on ICBs.
Department of Health and Social Care
View details
9 Conclusion Not Addressed
6th Report - Palliative Care
We support increasing use of the Palliative Care Register for early identification of individuals, including...
We support increasing use of the Palliative Care Register for early identification of individuals, including children and young people with PEoLC needs. However, we are concerned that its use is likely to decrease given the removal of funding incentives for … Read more
Government Response
The government response discusses bereavement services and ICB oversight for their delivery, but it does not address the committee's concern regarding the Palliative Care Register or the impact of removing funding incentives for its use.
Department of Health and Social Care
View details
10 Recommendation Not Addressed
6th Report - Palliative Care
We recommend that the Department implement the 90% target for the percentage of individuals in...
We recommend that the Department implement the 90% target for the percentage of individuals in the last year of life documented on the Palliative Care Register and that it reports annually on progress against this target to monitor the impact … Read more
Government Response
The government response outlines plans for sustainable funding and commissioning for hospices, including a move away from short-term grant funding from 2027/28, but does not address the recommendation for a 90% target for the Palliative Care Register or annual reporting.
Department of Health and Social Care
View details
11 Conclusion Accepted
6th Report - Palliative Care
National palliative and end of life care data provide valuable insight into patterns of healthcare...
National palliative and end of life care data provide valuable insight into patterns of healthcare use and location of death, however the evidence presented demonstrates substantial gaps in local data collection and utilisation. Without consistent, granular and timely data, ICBs … Read more
Government Response
The government agrees on the importance of data, noting NHS England is strengthening expectations and providing tools. From April 2026, ICBs are expected to use comprehensive data for commissioning, and the MSF will set clearer expectations for data use and accountability.
Department of Health and Social Care
View details
12 Recommendation Accepted
6th Report - Palliative Care
We urge the department to mandate ICBs to maintain a fully populated palliative and end...
We urge the department to mandate ICBs to maintain a fully populated palliative and end of life care dashboard that is actively used for commissioning, service planning, quality improvement, and inequality monitoring across their local system. (Recommendation, Paragraph 52) Read more
Government Response
The government agrees and states that from April 2026, ICBs are expected to use comprehensive data and a palliative and end-of-life care dashboard for commissioning, service planning, and monitoring, with a goal to embed its active use.
Department of Health and Social Care
View details
13 Conclusion Accepted
6th Report - Palliative Care
Poor data sharing and lack of integration across NHS, social care, voluntary and private providers...
Poor data sharing and lack of integration across NHS, social care, voluntary and private providers creates confusion, delays and gaps in continuity for people at the end of life, frequently placing the burden of coordination care on patients and carers … Read more
Government Response
The government agrees on the importance of integrated palliative care and outlines plans for a Single Patient Record to bring together patient information across health and social care. They will introduce legislation to enable all providers, including private and voluntary sectors, to contribute to and access this record to facilitate more seamless care.
Department of Health and Social Care
View details
14 Recommendation Accepted
6th Report - Palliative Care
If the Government intends for the introduction of the Single Patient Record to address concerns...
If the Government intends for the introduction of the Single Patient Record to address concerns about a lack of service integration for palliative and end of life care, then this record must be available to all providers—including social care, the … Read more
Government Response
The government accepts the recommendation and will bring forward legislation to enable all health and social care providers, including private and voluntary sectors, to contribute to and access the Single Patient Record as the program develops.
Department of Health and Social Care
View details
15 Conclusion Accepted
6th Report - Palliative Care
Generalist staff, who provide most end of life care, often lack the skills, confidence and...
Generalist staff, who provide most end of life care, often lack the skills, confidence and specialist support required to deliver high-quality, person-centred care. Despite existing initiatives, a clearer, system-wide approach to upskilling the generalist workforce is urgently needed. (Conclusion, Paragraph … Read more
Government Response
The government is committed to training staff, noting an existing career pathway and core capabilities framework developed by NHS England, and is working to commission QiSS modules with funding and places planned for March 2027/28 to upskill the generalist workforce.
Department of Health and Social Care
View details
16 Recommendation Accepted in Part
6th Report - Palliative Care
We recommend that end of life care be included as a core skill for the...
We recommend that end of life care be included as a core skill for the generalist health and social care workforce, with a clear and defined set of competencies required to deliver high-quality and person-centred palliative and end of life … Read more
Government Response
The government partially accepts, committing to integrating palliative care into generalist practice and education, as reflected in the 10 Year Workforce Plan and an NHS England education framework. A career pathway and core capabilities framework for specialist palliative care are available, with funding and places for QiSS modules planned for March 2027/28.
Department of Health and Social Care
View details
17 Recommendation Accepted in Part
6th Report - Palliative Care
Current shortages in the specialist workforce are putting palliative care services in an unsustainable position...
Current shortages in the specialist workforce are putting palliative care services in an unsustainable position which threatens their ability to deliver equitable and high-quality palliative and end of life care. Extensive consultant vacancies, impending retirements, limited training places and widespread … Read more
Government Response
The government partially accepts, focusing on training for the generalist workforce and developing a Qualification in Specialism Standard (QiSS) for palliative care. They plan to have funding and places for QiSS modules ready by March 2027/28, and a career pathway framework is already available.
Department of Health and Social Care
View details
18 Recommendation Accepted in Part
6th Report - Palliative Care
The Government need to publish an evidence-based plan, supported by up-to-date workforce modelling, setting out...
The Government need to publish an evidence-based plan, supported by up-to-date workforce modelling, setting out how it will increase the capacity and sustainability of all sectors of the specialist palliative and end of life care workforce, as part of the … Read more
Government Response
The government partially accepts the recommendation, highlighting the 10 Year Long Term Workforce Plan's focus on integrating palliative care into generalist education. It mentions an existing career pathway framework for specialist palliative care and plans for funding and places for the Qualification in Specialism Standard modules by March 2027/28, but does not detail a specific plan for increasing specialist workforce capacity or setting staffing targets.
Department of Health and Social Care
View details
19 Conclusion Acknowledged
6th Report - Palliative Care
Bereavement, and pre-bereavement support are essential, yet access remains patchy, poorly commissioned, and often difficult...
Bereavement, and pre-bereavement support are essential, yet access remains patchy, poorly commissioned, and often difficult to navigate. Despite its inclusion in the current Ambition Framework, significant gaps persist, particularly for culturally diverse communities and children and young people. (Conclusion, Paragraph … Read more
Government Response
The government agrees in principle on the importance of bereavement support, noting existing ICB responsibilities, frameworks, and statutory guidance. While the MSF will reinforce the need, there are no plans for new monitoring outside of current ICB oversight arrangements.
Department of Health and Social Care
View details
20 Recommendation Accepted
6th Report - Palliative Care
The Government must hold ICBs to account for delivering bereavement services.
The Government must hold ICBs to account for delivering bereavement services. This does not need to wait for the forthcoming Modern Service Framework as there are already clearly defined expectations for what ICBs should deliver in this area. In its … Read more
Government Response
The government agrees in principle on the importance of robust bereavement services and states that oversight mechanisms are already in place to hold ICBs accountable, but there are currently no plans to further monitor current delivery beyond existing arrangements.
Department of Health and Social Care
View details
21 Recommendation Accepted
6th Report - Palliative Care
Hospices form an integral part of palliative and end of life care provision at home...
Hospices form an integral part of palliative and end of life care provision at home and in the community and we welcome the fact that the Government intends for them to play a bigger role as part of its shift … Read more
Government Response
The government agrees hospices are vital and will use the MSF to support a move towards sustainable and predictable funding models for them. ICBs are asked to transition to sustainable contracting of hospice services, including moving away from short-term grant funding for adult hospices by 2027/28, with NHS England providing support and refreshed guidance.
Department of Health and Social Care
View details
22 Recommendation Accepted
6th Report - Palliative Care
We recommend that the Government moves towards sustainable and predictable models of funding for hospices,...
We recommend that the Government moves towards sustainable and predictable models of funding for hospices, financing their running as well as investment costs, which reflects the increasingly central role they will play in delivering end of life care. This funding … Read more
Government Response
The government agrees to move towards sustainable and predictable funding models for hospices, using the MSF to support ICBs in reviewing commissioning and contracting. ICBs are asked to move to sustainable contracting, with a shift away from short-term grant funding for adult hospices by 2027/28, supported by refreshed statutory guidance later this year.
Department of Health and Social Care
View details
Government Response AI assessment · 22 of 13 classified
Accepted 10
Accepted in Part 3
Acknowledged 1
Not Addressed 7
Rejected 1
Total 13 recs + 9 conclusions
Correspondence 2 letters
4 Feb 2026 Correspondence from Minister Kinnock - Follow up on 7 January session
Parliament page
14 Jan 2025 Correspondence from the Chair to the SoS relating to palliative care
Parliament page