Marie Curie and Abertawe Bro Morgannwg University Health Board pilot paves way for roll-out in Wales

Following a hugely successful pilot project with Abertawe Bro Morgannwg University Health Board (ABMU), Marie Curie Cancer Care is in talks with other Local Health Boards across Wales to roll out its innovative palliative care nursing service.

According to a report presented at today’s (3rd October) Policy Forum for Wales Conference* in Cardiff on the next steps for end of life care, there has been a 33% increase in the number of patients being cared for by Marie Curie nursing services in the Neath Port Talbot area and a 42% increase in number of visits since the pilot project was launched.

Introduced in July 2012 this new patient-focussed service model has enabled senior Marie Curie nurses to work in partnership with ABMU’s Community Continuing Health Care Team, District Nursing Service and other healthcare professionals in Neath Port Talbot so more people in the area receive palliative nursing in the comfort of their own home, their place of preference. Case load pressure of district nurses regarding the coordination of Marie Curie care has also been reduced as a result of increased partnership working. 

Andrew Wilson-Mouasher, Marie Curie Cancer Care Divisional Manager for Patient Services in Wales, who presented the report at today’s conference*, commented: “Marie Curie has long campaigned to increase people’s choice of place of care and death, and we believe this collaborative approach with Abertawe Bro Morgannwg University Health Board has resulted in better outcomes for people nearing the end of their life in Neath Port Talbot.

“Over the last year, we have worked closely with the Continuing Health Care Team and District Nurses in Neath Port Talbot to help them plan and deliver patient-centred care, with assessment based on the complexity of the person’s needs and changing condition. Whether this means overnight care, urgent visits, or short periods of respite, patients and families know what to expect and can be confident that their needs are paramount.

“As a result of this successful pilot project, we will now be rolling out this same model in Carmarthenshire and are working closely with the other Local Health Boards across Wales to determine the best fit palliative care service for them.”

Andy Griffiths, ABMU, Integrated Community Services Manager for Neath Port Talbot, commented: “This new service has increased our patient focus and has helped us enable more terminally ill patients at the end of life to be cared for in their place of choice and reduce the need for them to be admitted to hospital for unscheduled care episodes. By working in partnership the district nurses, the Community Continuing Health Care Team and the Marie Curie senior nurses are able to ensure that the patients with greatest needs are prioritised with care packages. Providing high quality day and night time respite alongside nursing care for patients also ensures that carers and their families are able to be supported throughout this difficult time.”
 
Mark David, 47 from Port Talbot has experienced the Marie Curie nursing service first hand, as his mother Joan received home care last year after being diagnosed with cancer.

Mark said: “My mother wanted to leave hospital and spend the time at home with the family, something that we all agreed with. Marie Curie and the Continuing Health Care Team helped make this possible. Nurses were on hand to provide support whenever my mum needed it. The nurses would help day and night which proved an invaluable support to our family as my mother required constant care. 

“Being self-employed I tried as best I could to organise jobs around her care. It was very difficult. The nurse support allowed me to have a much needed break knowing she was in good hands.”

Both Marie Curie and the Continuing Health Care Team helped to co-ordinate the extra medical help and support Joan needed in the last three weeks. Joan passed away in December 2012 aged 85 at her home with her family and a Marie Curie nurse by her side.

For further information on Marie Curie nursing services, please visit www.mariecurie.org.uk or contact your local GP / district nurse.

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*The Policy Forum for Wales Conference (Thursday 3rd October) titled ‘Next steps for end of life and palliative care in Wales’ brings together key policymakers from the National Assembly and Welsh Government with stakeholders – including Local Health Boards, NHS Wales, hospices, charities and patient groups – to consider implementation issues arising from the National End of Life Care Delivery Plan. For further information visit http://www.westminsterforumprojects.co.uk/forums/event.php?eid=597