MPs Call For Improvements To Palliative Care Services

A new report from the Health and Social Care Committee has highlighted significant challenges in England’s palliative and end of life care system, including concerns about services for children and young people.

The Committee is urging the government to ensure its forthcoming reforms, including a planned Modern Service Framework, deliver meaningful and lasting improvements. Key recommendations include maintaining clear standards for children’s palliative care, ensuring 24/7 service availability nationwide, and strengthening the specialist workforce.

The report draws on evidence from the Committee’s Independent Expert Panel, which identified issues including workforce shortages, fragmented services, and difficulties for patients and families navigating care. It also highlights the impact of wider pressures in social care and variation in service provision across different areas.

The Committee emphasises the need for improved coordination, better data and earlier identification of patient needs, alongside closer working between health services, social care and local authorities.

Overall, the findings underline ongoing concerns about consistency and capacity within palliative care services, ahead of the government’s planned reforms.

Read the full report here.