SG Strategic Framework for Action

Update: 15 November 2016

SPPC has tried to make this update as accurate, comprehensive and current as possible. Please let us know if you spot any inaccuracies or are aware of other information which could usefully and appropriately be shared.

The process of implementation is being framed by the Scottish Government (SG) in terms of the 10 Commitments set out within the Strategic Framework for Action on Palliative and End of Life care (SFA) and this update follows that structure. Scottish Government has created a page on their website relating to implementation of the SFA here.

National Implementation Advisory Group

The National Implementation Group met for the first time in June. Papers from that meeting are available here. Following cancellation of the September meeting, the second meeting of the group will take place on 14 December 2016.

Improvement (Commitment 1)

SG intends to fund local improvement advisors in five or six Health and Social Care Partnerships (HSCPs) together with some national improvement support including some expert practitioner input. This programme will be led by/situated in the Living Well in Communities arm of HIS (iHub). The partnerships identified to date are East Ayrshire, Glasgow City, Perth and Kinross, Western Isles/ Eilean Siar and Fife.

Guidance to HSCPs on Strategic Commissioning of Palliative Care (Commitment 2)

A Short Life Working Group to develop guidance on strategic commissioning of palliative and end of life care has met twice. The group is chaired by Christina Naismith from SG who has led the development of strategic planning (and other guidance) around integration. The initial membership and draft terms of reference can be found here. The guidance is expected to be published over the winter.

Education (Commitment 3)

A steering group to oversee development of the education framework continues to meet. The initial draft membership and terms of reference can be downloaded here. The Group is co-chaired by NHS Education Scotland (Lesley White) and Scottish Social Services Council (Ali Upton). A rapid mapping of educational resources was completed in 2015 and this has been complemented by some focus group work in 2016. Three regional educational practice development posts have been appointed. Work on needs analysis and engagement on principles to underpin the framework is being carried out.

Babies, children and young people (Commitment 4)

Research (Commitment 5)

The palliative and end of life care Research Forum has met twice. Notes of meetings and presentations are available on the SG website here. To get involved or for more information email Scott Murray or Bridget Johnston. The next meeting of the research Forum is expected to be 23 February 2017.

Support greater public and personal discussion of bereavement, death, dying and care at the end of life (Commitment 6)

Anne Mills (CEO Ardgowan Hospice) will no longer be able to chair a group looking at this commitment, having recently secured a new role in the Isle of Man.

eHealth to Support ACP sharing (Commitment 7)

A process for identifying the specification required for future eHealth developments to support anticipatory care planning is underway, and will take cognisance of UK-wide development of an emergency care and treatment plan.

Data (Commitment 9)

SG is funding additional analyst capacity at Information Services Division (ISD) and is planning to exploit opportunities afforded by data linkage (which is being progressed to support the planning by HSCPs). A group is has been established under the auspices of the NIAG to advise on a set of data requirements, so that the products of analysis are those of most value and most likely to be used and also to advise on data which might be available from other sources, or which might need commissioning.