Palliative Care Report

Healthwatch Trafford undertook this project to provide an opportunity to understand how national ambitions and local strategy have translated into lived experience for people receiving palliative care in Trafford, and for the family members and carers who support them. The project was informed by a review of national and local policy and evidence relating to palliative and end of life care. 

An online survey was conducted, receiving 26 responses from individuals with experience of palliative care in Trafford. These included people receiving care and family members or carers supporting someone who was receiving or had recently received palliative care. 

Overall, many respondents described compassionate and respectful care, particularly in relation to pain and symptom management. District nurses and community-based services were frequently praised for their support. 

However, concerns were raised about access to services, coordination between providers, and clarity about who to contact for help. A significant proportion of respondents reported that services did not work well together, highlighting ongoing challenges around communication and joined-up care. 

Respondents emphasised that being pain free, treated with dignity, and having fast access to care whenever it is needed were most important to them. 

The findings reflect national priorities for person-centred, coordinated care. They give insight into how strategic ambitions are translating into lived experience for people in Trafford, and where further improvement may be needed. 

Healthwatch Trafford recommends that: 

• A named or single point of contact is introduced for patients receiving palliative care in Trafford, particularly those supported at home, to improve coordination and reduce duplication.
• Communication pathways between community nursing, primary care, hospices and care homes are reviewed to strengthen information sharing and reduce delays.
• A clear and accessible information pack is developed and provided early in the palliative care pathway, outlining available services, how to access support, out-of-hours contacts, and financial or practical assistance.
• Community and night-time palliative care provision is reviewed to ensure timely and equitable access across Trafford, including consideration of workforce capacity.
• Support for carers is strengthened through routine offers of emotional support, clearer information about respite options, and signposting to bereavement services.
• Earlier and more consistent Advance Care Planning conversations are encouraged to ensure patients’ documented wishes are shared appropriately across services.