A Local Commitment to Compassionate Care
Beyond Medical: Recognising End-of-Life as a Community Issue
End-of-life care, often referred to as palliative and end-of-life care (PEoLC), is about providing support, comfort and dignity to people approaching the final stages of life. In Kent, this care extends beyond medical treatments, recognising that it is a shared responsibility involving families, carers, healthcare professionals and the wider community. Understanding the unique needs of patients and their loved ones helps shape compassionate care that honours personal wishes and supports emotional and practical needs.
The Vision for Kent: What is Integrated Care?
The Kent and Medway Integrated Care Board (ICB) is leading a new approach to healthcare that connects different services and professionals. Integrated care means working together across hospitals, community services, GPs, hospices and voluntary groups to offer seamless support. For end-of-life care, this approach helps coordinate treatments, social support and advice within neighbourhood teams — ensuring patients receive the right help, in the right place, at the right time.
The “Canterbury Manifesto”: A Collaborative Pledge for Kent
At the heart of Kent’s commitment is the “Canterbury Manifesto”, a collaborative pledge developed by local health, social care and voluntary organisations. It sets out shared principles for improving end-of-life care, such as respecting personal choices, strengthening community involvement and reducing unnecessary hospital admissions. This manifesto represents a collective promise to work closely for better quality care across Kent and Medway.
Transforming Support: How Kent is Innovating End-of-Life Services
Proactive Planning: Identifying and Supporting Our Most Frail Residents
Effective end-of-life care begins with identifying those who may benefit the most. Using Population Health Management (PHM) and risk stratification techniques, healthcare teams in Kent can spot patients who are frail or have complex health conditions early on. This enables timely conversations about preferences, advance care planning and the coordination of personalised care plans that reflect individual goals and needs.
The “Golden Ticket”: Ensuring 24/7 Personalised Care Access
One of the most valued innovations is the introduction of the “golden ticket” system. This is an advanced care planning tool that helps guarantee patients access to personalised, round-the-clock support when it is most needed. Whether a patient is at home or in a care setting, the golden ticket ensures healthcare teams know how to deliver tailored care quickly, avoiding unnecessary hospital visits and enabling many to spend their last days comfortably in familiar surroundings.
The Power of Neighbourhood Teams: Care Closer to Home
Kent’s neighbourhood health approach places community teams at the centre of care delivery. These teams bring together GPs, nurses, social workers and voluntary sector workers who know the local area and its residents well. Their role is to provide hands-on support, coordinate services and respond rapidly to any changes in patients’ conditions. This local teamwork helps build trusting relationships and ensures people receive attentive, consistent care near their homes.
A Model of Success: The Thanet Acute Response Team in Action
A Community-Led Approach to Crisis Care
The Thanet Acute Response Team (ART) exemplifies the collaborative spirit boosting Kent’s end-of-life care. This team provides expert, rapid response support to patients facing urgent health crises in the community, aiming to manage care safely outside hospital settings. They work closely with families, carers and other health providers to deliver personalised interventions tailored to the patient’s condition and wishes.
Tangible Results: Reducing Hospital Stays and Improving Lives
Since its launch, the Thanet ART has significantly lowered emergency hospital admissions and shortened inpatient stays for those nearing the end of life. Patients benefit from receiving care in familiar surroundings, while families appreciate the reassurance of expert support nearby. This has also eased pressure on local hospitals, creating a more sustainable model for responsive end-of-life care.
Insights from the Frontline: Voices on Collaboration and Impact
Healthcare professionals and carers involved with the Thanet ART praise the strong teamwork and clear communication the model encourages. Dr Rakesh Koria, Ageing and Dying Well clinical lead at NHS Kent and Medway ICB, highlights the value of bringing different skills and expertise together. Community volunteers also play a vital role, helping to meet social and emotional needs alongside clinical care, making a meaningful difference.
The Broader Impact: Benefits for Patients, Families, and Our Local NHS
Improving Quality and Access Across All of Kent
The new end-of-life care initiatives across Kent and Medway are helping more people experience compassionate, personalised care that honours their wishes. Access to services has improved thanks to better integration and attention to the unique needs of diverse populations. This means fewer last-minute crises, greater comfort and dignity, and more families feeling supported throughout difficult times.
Supporting Our Dedicated Healthcare Professionals
Kent’s commitment extends to supporting the professionals delivering this care. Ongoing training and collaboration encourage skill development and a shared understanding of best practices. Dr Ash Peshen, Deputy chief medical officer at Kent and Medway ICB, emphasises the importance of these educational efforts in maintaining high standards and fostering resilience among staff facing the challenges of end-of-life care.
The Vital Role of Local Hospices and Community Charities
Local hospices and voluntary, community and social enterprise (VCSE) groups are essential partners in this model. They provide specialist care, emotional support and practical help not only to patients but also to families and carers. Their close connection with communities makes them invaluable in responding to individual needs and filling gaps in services.
What’s Next for End-of-Life Care in Kent?
Investing in Expertise: Continuous Training and System-Wide Collaboration
Kent is focused on building a workforce equipped to meet the evolving demands of end-of-life care. This involves regular training, sharing knowledge across organisations and fostering environments where healthcare providers feel supported. Strong partnerships across the health and care system remain the foundation of continuous improvement efforts.
Scaling Up Success: A Vision for All of Kent and Medway
The aim is to extend successful local models, such as the Thanet Acute Response Team, across the entire Kent and Medway region. This will bring equitable access to compassionate, personalised end-of-life care no matter where people live. Policymakers and healthcare leaders remain committed to listening to residents and adapting services to meet changing needs.
Getting it Right: Ensuring Dignity in Every Life’s Final Chapter
Every individual deserves respect, comfort and meaningful support in their final stage of life. Kent’s new approach frames end-of-life care as a shared, community responsibility—one where personal wishes are heard, families are supported, and compassionate care is always within reach. Residents are encouraged to engage in advanced care planning conversations with their healthcare providers and loved ones to help shape care that reflects their values.
Learn More and Get Involved: For patients, families and carers wanting to find out about available services, personalised care plans, or to start discussions about end-of-life wishes, local GPs, community teams and hospices are ready to help. Kent residents can also visit the Kent and Medway ICB website or contact local support organisations to explore options and resources.
By working together, Kent continues to build a healthcare system that honours life’s final chapter with kindness, dignity and steadfast support.
