Marie Curie and Cardiff and Vale University Health Board

Cardiff and Vale University Health Board commissioned Marie Curie to provide expert end of life care in people’s own homes.

Our service means more people are able to die in their own home or care home, as the service helps prevent avoidable hospital admissions and ensures timely discharges from hospital.

In 2016/17, a total of 195 terminally ill people were supported at home – along with their families and carers. This was an increase of 248 per cent.

The challenge: relying on agency staff with limited skills

Local district nursing teams were often having to rely on agency staff with limited skills in end of life care to support patients in the last three months of their lives.

The health board wanted to ensure more people could benefit from expert care, and that they could receive that support at home.

The solution: expect care at home

Marie Curie was commissioned to provide high quality, hospice-style nursing services in people’s own homes. We tailor care to each patient’s needs and can offer same-day care when urgent help is needed.

The outcome: more people able to die where they want to

More people are able to die in their own home or care home, and pressures on hospitals and district nurses have been reduced.