Improving end of life care in the community: national strategy

The National End of Life Care Strategy published last year by the Department of Health called for a ‘cultural shift’ among the 2.5m strong health and social care workforce. This article explores the competence and principles which those staff should have to provide improved care for those at the end of their lives. It links these to Transforming End of Life Care, one of six guides in the ‘Transforming Community Services’ series which emerged from the ‘NHS Next Stage Review’ led by Lord Darzi. Together the three documents explored in this article call for a new emphasis on partnership working and teamwork to provide care that is responsive to the wishes of the person nearing the end of his or her life and their loved ones.