People of all ages who face progressive life-limiting illness, with or without comorbidities, require different levels of health and social care at different points on their illness pathway. Apart from care and treatment that is specific to their underlying condition(s), they are likely to have needs that are often referred to as palliative or end of life care (PEoLC), especially as they approach the last year(s) of their lives. Throughout the trajectory of their illness, sometimes episodically, sometimes for prolonged periods, they may require expert assessment, advice, care and support from professionals who specialise in palliative care. These professionals work as part of multidisciplinary teams providing the service directly to the person with need, and those important to them, and/or supporting other care teams to do so.

This live document has been co-produced during 2020-21 and will be tested with partners before the final framework is confirmed by the national Palliative and End of Life team.

Originally published in October 2020, this resource has been re-badged for South East Clinical Delivery and Networks.

Published: April 2021