Palliative care partnershipsRuth Fennemore reports on research that exploresthe links between hospices and NHS primary care trusts,and discusses how these relationships can be strengthened

摘要

Partnerships between the voluntary sector and the NHS are increasingly important, particularly in palliative care. But research undertaken by the Commission for the Compact and Help the Hospices reveals several issues that need to be addressed, including strategy planning, funding and length of contracts. By using a set of guidelines and principles for how the voluntary and public sectors should work together, called the Compact, hospices and primary care trusts can strengthen their relationships for the benefit of patients.