Source · Select Committees · Health and Social Care Committee
Recommendation 1
1
Accepted
We were highly concerned by the findings of the Expert Panel’s report, which revealed a...
Conclusion
We were highly concerned by the findings of the Expert Panel’s report, which revealed a sector in need of urgent support across all settings, underserving individuals from already vulnerable patient groups. The end of life system is fragmented, difficult to navigate, and leaves individuals in the ‘gap’ between health and social care all too often. Without safeguards, the Government’s intention to shift palliative care to the community risks placing further unsustainable pressure on the community workforce, who are already overworked and under capacity. (Conclusion, Paragraph 8) The Modern Service Framework
Government response summary AI-generated
The government accepts the concerns, stating it will develop accountability arrangements with the National Quality Board, refresh statutory guidance and service specifications later this year, and expect ICBs to complete integrated needs assessments to address the issues.
Summary of the government's response below — read the verbatim text to verify.
Government Response
Accepted
HM Government · verbatim extract
Accepted
The Government welcomes the Committee’s report, which follows the Expert Panel: Evaluation of Palliative care in England, published on 28 November 2025 and the Committee hearing, which I attended on 7 January 2026. We are grateful to everyone who has contributed their time and expertise. The Government recognises that the Health and Social Care Committee’s report assesses the current landscape of palliative care and end-of-life-care care in England. The report notes that frameworks similar to the the forthcoming Modern Service Framework (MSF) for Palliative Care and End-of-Life Care, setting out expectations for services, already exist, and highlights concerns about the effectiveness and consistent implementation of existing approaches. It is in this context that the report, sets out a number of recommendations intended to inform the development and impact of the MSF, including the steps the Government should take where integrated care boards (ICBs) do not meet expected standards.
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