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.
The SFA mentions the creation of a National Implementation Support Group to complement the National Advisory Group. Instead, rather than have two groups, a new single National Implementation Advisory Group (NIAG) has been established and it met for the first time on Friday 3 June 2016. The initial membership of the group is shown below. Suggestions for expanding the membership were made at the first meeting (including palliative care nursing, Care Inspectorate, hospital medicine, SSSC). Further meetings are planned for September and December. A sub-group of the NIAG is being established to advise on stakeholder involvement and communications relating to the NIAG and implementation of the SFA.
NIAG Membership
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 clinical input. This programme will be led by/situated in the Living Well in Communities arm of HIS (iHub). Discussions between SG and HIS about the details (which HSCPs, the focus of work etc) are ongoing.
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.
A steering group to oversee development of the education framework has met once with a second meeting scheduled for July. 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.
The palliative and end of life care Research Forum met on 6 May, and notes from the meeting will be available shortly. It is planned that the next meeting will take place on 30 August 2016 at the University of Glasgow (Gilmorehill campus, University Avenue), and focus on policy relevant research and disseminating it to people who need to know. To get involved or for more information email Scott Murray or Bridget Johnston.
A Group is to be established under the chairmanship of Anne Mills (CEO Ardgowan Hospice). A sense of the remit of the Group can be gained from the NIAG paper on this commitment which can be downloaded here.
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.
A sub-group of the NIAG is to be established to explore the scope and focus of work relating to this commitment.
SG is intending to fund 1.2 WTE analysts 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 being 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.