End of Life (EOL)

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The end-of-life team care for patients who are in the last few days/weeks of life or imminently dying. We care for patients who are living within Southend, Basildon and Broomfield, with life limiting illness that is entering the terminal phase.

Good end-of-life-care should be tailored to the individual and following discussion with yourself/loved ones, the medical team will start the Last Days of Life Care Plan and document your wishes/concerns.

The end-of-life team supports the medical team and can provide specialist symptom control, psychological, and psychosocial support. They will keep you updated and make sure that we have your families correct contact details and support any other wishes. We also work closely with the chaplaincy team who we can call should you choose so; the chaplaincy team have links to the on-call Catholic Priest and can contact other faith leaders to support you.

Choosing end-of-life care in hospital

You can have end-of-life-care in hospital, at home, in a hospice or nursing home (depending on bed availability).

Different health professionals can deliver end-of-life-care; however, the medical teams are supported by the end-of-life team and the palliative care team.

If you choose to be discharged home from hospital for end-of-life care, the team work closely with your GP and community services making sure the transition from acute to primary care is smooth.

Choosing hosptial care

If you or your loved one chooses to remain in hospital (or is too unwell to transfer) you are entitled to high-quality-care.

We aim to transfer you from a main bay to a side room where your loved one can have 24 hours visiting, overnight bed, comfort care pack (including toiletries), fingerprint keepsakes and car park concession forms.

Your family are welcome to bring in photos, CD/radios from home to play your favourite music and items that bring comfort and familiarity.

Regular tea and coffee will be provided by our staff during this time.

Meet the team

The team consists of one fulltime lead nurse who works closely with the specialist palliative care teams across the Trust.

The lead nurse is an experienced palliative care clinical nurse specialist (CNS) with a wealth of knowledge and experience, also having close contact with the palliative care team including consultants and registrars.

Contact us

If you have any queries or have a loved one currently receiving end-of-life care and would like to know more, please contact the end-of-life palliative care lead nurse on 07385 009 536 or email mse.endoflife@nhs.net.

The team works between 8am and 5pm, Monday to Friday (or by arrangement) excluding bank holidays.

The Hospital Palliative Care team cover a 7-day service.