Derbyshire-based charity, Treetops Hospice, has hosted the first dedicated national conference for hospices that provide care without a bedded unit.
Representatives from 14 hospices across the UK came together at the inaugural event in Risley, providing a rare opportunity for community-based hospice care providers to share knowledge, discuss common challenges and explore the future of hospice services.
The full-day conference featured several speakers, including a keynote address from Hospice UK Chief Executive, Toby Porter, who shared his vision for the future sustainability of hospice care.
Treetops Hospice Director of Clinical Services, Phil Shreeve, also delivered a presentation on the Modern Service Framework and the vital role non-bedded hospices play in supporting people in their own homes and communities.
Alongside expert presentations, delegates took part in workshops and networking sessions focused on the strengths, challenges, opportunities and threats facing community-based hospice services.
The event was chaired by former Defence Secretary and Ashfield MP, Geoff Hoon, a longstanding advocate of the non-bedded hospice model and the benefits of delivering care closer to home.
John Knight, Chief Executive of Treetops Hospice, said: “The conference was a great success and provided an important opportunity for hospices like ours to come together, share experiences and learn from one another.
“As financial pressures and demand for community-based end-of-life care continue to grow, it has never been more important for organisations to collaborate and discuss how we can continue meeting the needs of the people we support.
“We hope this will be the start of an ongoing network of collaboration, including regional groups, so we can continue sharing best practice and strengthening community-based hospice care.”
Toby Porter, Chief Executive of Hospice UK, said: “It was a real pleasure to join colleagues from hospices across the UK at the first national conference for non-bedded hospices. Community-based hospices play a vital role in caring for people in their own homes and communities.
“We all know that one of the most critical challenges for the country over the coming years will be to deliver far more palliative care in the community, away from hospitals, and in people’s homes. The hospices who attended this event hold enormous capability, experience and expertise in this area.
“Hospices are facing their toughest financial position in many years and demand for end-of-life care is only going to grow. No hospice can meet that challenge alone. Working collaboratively, sharing what works and learning from one another is a win-win for patients, families, communities and the NHS.
“I’m deeply grateful to Treetops Hospice for bringing everyone together and I look forward to seeing this network grow.”
To find out more about Treetops Hospice and its services, visit: https://www.treetopshospice.org.uk/
