This working document provides a summary of the key points raised during a Commission into the Future of Hospice Care event to discuss the implications of the Commission report: 'Current and future needs for hospice care: an evidence based report'.
In early 2013 a report written by the Cicely Saunders Institute, and contributing to the work of the Commission into the Future of Hospice Care, outlined anticipated changes in demography and epidemiology which will have implications for end of life care, including that provided by hospices.
In response to this report and in partnership with the Cicely Saunders Institute, the Commission into the Future of Hospice Care held an event to discuss its implications and consider how hospices might prepare for such a future.
This paper describes what the future could look like and the way this creates both challenges and opportunities for hospices. It explores the potential that hospices have to respond; drawing on their established strengths. It concludes with suggestions about priorities for action on the part of hospices.
This paper is part of a series of contributions to the Commission into the Future of Hospice Care.
