The Committee for Health & Social Care and Les Bourgs Hospice is developing a sustainable, island-wide strategy – spanning strategy, policy, funding, and operational delivery across all palliative and end-of-life services in the Bailiwick.
‘This is a significant and positive moment for the Bailiwick,’ said Les Bourgs chief executive Rob Jones.
‘Les Bourgs has never received funding from the States, because we’ve always managed.
‘But things have changed over the past 18 months, so rather than asking for more money, we’re now working with the States to develop a strategy for the future – so that Guernsey can really do the best it can in palliative care.
‘Not many jurisdictions have one of these partnership groups. To have one is your pinnacle – it’s the gold standard of care.
‘By planning for the future and recognising that the needs of our community are changing – and will continue to change as our population ages – we can ensure that everyone receives the right support at the right time.
‘Les Bourgs is committed to sharing our expertise and working with HSC to shape a compassionate, coherent approach that benefits patients, families, and the wider community for many years to come.’
Representatives from government, the charitable sector, and private providers have joined forces to design a five-year plan to improve the offer and make it more sustainable, setting a clear vision and strategic objectives.
The group will review service delivery models, assess financial implications, and ensure alignment with broader work on sustainable health and care.
‘By working collaboratively across sectors, we can ensure that every person receives the right care, in the right place, at the right time – with dignity and compassion,’ said HSC president Deputy George Oswald.
The final strategy is expected to be completed in September 2026. Elaine Burgess, director of care delivery, and Stephen Roberts, director of commissioning at the States, will serve as joint chairs of the group, supported by stakeholders.
‘Palliative and end-of-life care touches every family at some point,’ said Deputy Steve Falla, charity sector lead for the Policy & Resources Committee.
‘We’re committed to working hand-in-hand with Les Bourgs and other partners to ensure that our community receives the care it deserves.’
Palliative care
Palliative care is an approach which improves the quality of life for patients and their families facing life-threatening illness, through the prevention, assessment and treatment of physical, psychological, social and spiritual problems.
The States’ palliative care team consists of two palliative care associate specialists, clinical nurse specialists and a palliative care social worker.
The associate specialists and palliative care specialist nurses’ role focus on symptom control and support from diagnosis throughout a patient’s illness, end-of-life care and bereavement.
The social worker acts as a care co-ordinator and helps patients and families understand their options, identify services they need, and assist with completion of necessary paperwork, such as social security benefit claim forms or advanced care plans.
The States team is supported by various healthcare professionals including dieticians, physiotherapists, chaplaincy, community services, off-island palliative care consultants and other specialist nurses. There is also close working with other charitable organisations such as Les Bourgs Hospice.
Support coordinated by the States covers the initial reaction to a terminal diagnosis, emotional support, care packages, carer support, finances and funeral planning.
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