The Department of Health launched its new end of life strategy document for adults on July 16, together with the announcement of £286 million to improve end of life care. You can download DH’s press release which details their funding announcement to accompany the strategy.

ACT has prepared a short briefing on the implications and opportunities in relation to children's palliative care -  please download a copy here.

http://nds.coi.gov.uk/environment/fullDetail.asp?ReleaseID=374013&NewsAreaID=2&NavigatedFromDepartment=False

You can download the Department of Health’s End of Life Strategy (167 pages)here:

http://www.dh.gov.uk/en/Publicationsandstatistics/Publications/PublicationsPolicyAndGuidance/DH_086277

View a joint briefing from ACT and Children’s Hospices UK  about the NHS Next Stage Review Document “High Quality Care for All” that was published 30 June 2008 and which sets out the government's plans to reform the NHS in England over the next 10 years.

Download now
 

ACT has produced a members' briefing on the Department of Health's Better Care: Better Lives document. 

Please download a copy here.

·        Children’s palliative care ‘test case’ for new, devolved NHS
 
·        £20 million for children’s hospice services; extra for PCTs unclear
 
·        Minister wants ‘major changes’ within 18 months
 
 
The Children’s Palliative Care Alliance, a consortium of leading children’s and healthcare charities, has welcomed today’s government strategy, ‘Better Care: Better Lives’, for improving the care and support given to children in England with life-limiting or life-threatening condition and their families.
 
Speaking at today’s launch, Care Services Minister Ivan Lewis described the provision of support for children and families with palliative care needs as “The test of an effective, modern, compassionate health and social care system”. He added that if within 18 months major changes hadn’t happened, “then I think we would be worried”.