Each year in the UK, around 90% of people who die are estimated to need palliative care, with approximately 75% of deaths caused by progressive, advanced chronic conditions (Marie Curie, 2023). Palliative care plays a vital role in ensuring that patients with incurable illnesses can have their pain and other distressing symptoms managed with dignity and compassion. World Hospice and Palliative Care Day serves as a crucial reminder of this need, spreading awareness of the value of end-of-life care and advocating for improved access worldwide.
The theme for 2025, “Achieving the Promise: Universal Access to Palliative Care”, focuses on strengthening palliative care as a cornerstone of comprehensive health support across the course of life (eHospice, 2025). At Consultant Connect, we take pride in our role in this mission. Our services are designed to ensure patients receive the right care in the right place, the first time. In recognition of World Hospice and Palliative Care Day, we’re highlighting how we support NHS clinicians in providing the best possible care for patients nearing the end of life. Through our Enhanced Advice & Guidance service, healthcare professionals can rapidly connect with specialists for tailored clinical advice – supporting shared decision-making and helping to deliver compassionate, patient-centred care when it matters most.
Avoiding a hospital referral for a patient with ongoing malignant melanoma and deficient levels of vitamin D
A patient presented to Dr Funmilola Adigun with deficient levels of vitamin D and a history of ongoing malignant melanoma. Their cancer treatment meant they had to avoid sun exposure altogether, and with their low levels, a very high dose of vitamin D was clinically indicated, according to NICE CKS. A loading dose would benefit the patient for a certain length of time. Still, before commencing, especially for oncology patients, this treatment should be discussed with a specialist to determine whether there are additional therapies or guidance to consider.
‘I sent a message to a consultant in palliative care on the [National Consultant Network] outlining my plan and asked if, based on their experience, there was anything they would change. The consultant agreed with my approach, which enabled me to initiate the patient’s treatment the same day, and he avoided a hospital referral.’
– Dr Adigun, GP in Gillingham, Medway & Swale ICP.
Devising treatment plans to keep patients in the community
Sion Breese is a paramedic and development clinical team leader in Wales, and describes how Consultant Connect supported the management of an end-of-life patient:
‘I recently contacted the Palliative Care Team for advice on managing an end-of-life patient. I spoke with the specialist very quickly to discuss a treatment plan that allowed the patient to remain comfortable at home with their family around them, rather than going to hospital. The Consultant Connect App provided easier access to communicate with specialist teams, and this has been really helpful as the procedures have regularly changed through different stages of the pandemic.’
– Sion Breese.
Sarah Campbell is a nurse practitioner working on the H@H programme at Oldham Care Organisation. She shares an example of when accessing specialist advice via Consultant Connect benefited an end-of-life patient:
‘I used the service when seeing a palliative care patient as I needed advice on treatment options. After speaking with the specialist on call, we agreed that it would be best for this patient to remain at home rather than be admitted to hospital. The specialist devised and prescribed a treatment plan, which meant the patient could be cared for in the comfort of their home.’
– Sarah Campbell.
If you would like to discuss setting up an Enhanced Advice & Guidance project in your NHS area, please email hello@consultantconnect.org.uk or call 01865 951207.
Related materials:
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How NCN consultants are helping to transform patient care in Medway and Swale
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GP and paramedic case study: Enhanced Advice & Guidance across Wales
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Hospital @Home Respiratory Medicine line in the Northern Care Alliance NHS Foundation Trust
