P-36 Homelessness and end of life care: improving partnership working

The aim of this project has been to engage with services who have traditionally not worked in partnership with the hospice, in order to jointly identify ways of integrating services to better support vulnerable adults. By up-skilling and increasing confidence for multi-disciplinary professionals both internally and externally, we hope to both widen access to our services but also to develop compassionate communities, in line with the Ambitions guidance. Aims Improving reach Challenge pre–conceived ideas surrounding end of life care and dispel myths Identify opportunities to work in partnership to support hidden and isolated carers Increase awareness of the interconnections between end of life care and agencies supporting those who are more likely to be faced with health and social inequality. Develop practical guidance to improve earlier identification and signposting. A workshop was held in February 2018, within the hospice, with attendance from 11 local organisations supporting those who are homeless within Kirklees. This was an engaging and thought provoking event, with many attendees acknowledging the gaps in promoting holistic end of life care. There was recognition of the value of working together to understand and share each other’s specialism and skills but also the need for external improvement in professionals’ confidence in end of life conversations. Another area of focus was the need to improve bereavement support and skills. A training and education plan is currently in development, with the initial focus on developing and piloting self-management sessions for those with liver failure. A clinical ambassador programme is also planned to be launched, with input from organisations attending workshop. Considerations The role of the hospice in offering ‘outreach’. Importance of advocacy for individuals less likely to actively engage with end of life care services. Person-centred care and respecting people’s decisions, especially if other priorities come before seeking healthcare.