How Guernsey cares for people at the end of their lives is set to be re-examined, as a new partnership begins work on a long-term palliative care strategy for the island.
Guernsey’s Health & Social Care Committee and Les Bourgs Hospice have established the ‘Palliative and End-of-Life Care Partnership Group’.
This body, comprising representatives from the public, private, and charitable sectors, is tasked with co-designing a five-year strategy for the Bailiwick.
The group will also review service delivery models, assess financial implications, and ensure alignment with broader work on sustainable health and care, with a final strategy scheduled for completion in September next year.
HSC said they’re aiming to “ensure that every individual receives the right support at the right time in a compassionate, coordinated, and responsive way”.
Elaine Burgess, Director of Care Delivery, and Stephen Roberts, Director of Commissioning, will serve as joint chairs of the group.
Deputy George Oswald, President of the Committee for Health & Social Care, said: “This is a positive step forward for the Bailiwick. The formation of the Partnership Group reflects our commitment to improving outcomes for islanders at one of the most sensitive and significant times in their lives.
“By working collaboratively across sectors, we can ensure that every person receives the right care, in the right place, at the right time – with dignity and compassion at the heart of everything we do.”
Deputy Steve Falla, Charity Sector Lead for the Policy & Resources Committee, said: “Palliative and end-of-life care touches every family at some point. By taking a strategic, collaborative approach, we can ensure that services are not only compassionate but also consistent and accessible across the island.
“We are committed to working hand-in-hand with Les Bourgs Hospice and other partners to ensure that our community receives the care it deserves.”
Rob Jones, CEO of Les Bourgs Hospice, said: “We are focused on working together to create a sustainable, island-wide strategy for palliative and end-of-life care in Guernsey. This is a significant and positive moment for the Bailiwick.
“By planning for the future and recognising that the needs of our community are changing – and will continue to change as our population ages, we can ensure that everyone receives the right support at the right time.
“Les Bourgs Hospice is committed to sharing our expertise and working collaboratively with Health & Social Care to shape a compassionate, coherent approach that benefits patients, families, and the wider community for many years to come.”