On 15 September 2026, health and care professionals from across the region came together at The Durham Centre for the North East and North Cumbria Palliative and End of Life Care Celebration Event. The event showcased the achievements, innovations and collaborative working that are helping to improve experiences and outcomes for people approaching the end of life and those important to them.
Over the course of the afternoon, delegates heard about significant regional progress, including the completion of the Palliative and End of Life Care Health Needs Assessment, development of a Strategic Commissioning Plan, strengthened partnership working, improved use of data and intelligence, and continued investment in education and workforce development. Key developments demonstrated the region’s commitment to delivering more personalised, coordinated, and consistent care, such as:
– the relaunch of Deciding Right;
– new e-learning resources;
– the introduction of the Palliative and End of Life Care Planning Template within CDRC;
– access to digital Deciding Right form;
– the Caring for the Dying Patient Senior Clinician Assessment;
– the Community Kardex for symptom control;
– Project ECHO; and
– the Boost Learning Academy programme.
The event also showcased inspiring examples of innovation in practice. Delegates heard how earlier integration of paediatric palliative care into specialist treatment pathways is improving support for children and families, while new approaches to transition planning are helping young people move more smoothly from children’s to adult services. Presentations highlighted the value of partnership working, early engagement and personalised care in ensuring people receive the right support at the right time.
Alongside service innovation, the event explored the importance of trauma-informed care, compassionate leadership and reflective practice in supporting both patients and the workforce. Speakers shared examples of how creating psychologically safe environments, strengthening communication, and supporting staff wellbeing can enhance experiences of care and improve outcomes across services.
A clear message emerged throughout the day: collaboration is driving change. By working together across NHS organisations, hospices, local authorities, voluntary sector partners and communities, the region is creating more equitable, person-centred and sustainable palliative and end of life care services.
Continue your learning with Deciding Right
One of the key achievements highlighted during the event was the relaunch of Deciding Right and the development of new learning resources to support advance care planning and shared decision-making.
The refreshed Deciding Right learning offer brings together a range of e-learning modules and practical resources covering person-centred conversations, the Mental Capacity Act, Advance Statements, ADRTs, EHCPs, TEPs, DNACPR decisions, and supporting people with a learning disability, children, and young people.
Whether you are new to advance care planning or looking to refresh your knowledge, the Deciding Right learning resources provide a practical way to build confidence and develop the skills needed to support high-quality, person-centred care.
Visit the Deciding Right learning page, complete the modules relevant to your role, and explore the supporting guidance and resources available to help you have better conversations, support informed decision-making, and ensure care reflects what matters most to the people you support.
