Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, if he will take steps to introduce a 24/7 single point of access for (a) palliative and (b) end of life care (i) advice, (ii) guidance and (iii) support.

Integrated care boards (ICBs) are responsible for the commissioning of palliative care and end of life care services, to meet the needs of their local populations. To support ICBs in this duty, NHS England has published statutory guidance and service specifications. The guidance makes specific reference to commissioners defining how their services will meet population needs 24 hour a day, seven day a week, and includes a priority action for ensuring that staff, patients, and carers can access the care and advice they need, whatever time of day.

NICE guidance on the service delivery of end of life care for adults also includes recommendations about 24 hour a day, seven day a week access to care. Although NICE guidance is not mandatory, there is an expectation that commissioners and service providers take the guidelines into account when making decisions about how to best meet the needs of their local communities.

I have tasked officials to look at how to improve the access, quality, and sustainability of all- age palliative care and end of life care in line with the 10-Year Health Plan.