Health and care professionals from across North East and North Cumbria recently came together for the relaunch of Deciding Right and the introduction of new digital palliative and end of life care planning templates. The event highlighted the continued commitment to ensuring people’s wishes, values and priorities remain at the centre of care.
The refreshed Deciding Right suite includes updated advance care planning documentation, the introduction of a Treatment Escalation Plan (TEP), and new unified digital templates for palliative and end of life care planning within EMIS and SystmOne. Attendees heard about the history of Deciding Right, changes to DNACPR processes, developments in community care and new educational resources to support implementation.
A powerful theme throughout the event was the importance of lived experience, with carers and family members sharing personal reflections on the difference that timely conversations and clear care planning can make for patients and those closest to them.
Following the relaunch, organisations across North East and North Cumbria are now working through local implementation plans. While the updated documentation is available, some elements, including the revised DNACPR document and Community Kardex for Symptom Control, require local policy review, governance processes, and staff training before full adoption in some areas.
To support implementation, colleagues are encouraged to access the new Deciding Right e-learning package and wider Palliative and End of Life Care Programme on the Boost Learning Academy.
The programme includes learning on advance care planning, person-centred conversations, shared decision-making, the Mental Capacity Act, Advance Decisions to Refuse Treatment (ADRTs), Emergency Health Care Plans (EHCPs), Treatment Escalation Plans (TEPs), and DNACPR decisions. Practical guidance and supporting resources are also available to help staff apply learning in practice.
Additional opportunities include Regional Palliative and End of Life Care Project ECHO Education, alongside a growing library of regional guidance, clinical resources, and digital support materials.
Colleagues can access further information and guidance through:
The next opportunity for colleagues to connect and share learning will be the Celebrate, Share and Inspire: NENC Palliative and End of Life Care Event on 15 September 2026.
The event will bring together professionals from across the region to celebrate achievements, showcase innovation, and share examples of great practice. Colleagues are invited to contribute projects, improvements and initiatives that are helping to improve palliative and end of life care for patients and families.
Book your place here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/celebrate-share-and-inspire-nenc-palliative-and-end-of-life-care-event-tickets-1991685805860?aff=oddtdtcreator
The team are also inviting colleagues to showcase their work – whether it’s a project, improvement, innovation or example of great practice. If you’d like to present or contribute, please complete the form here.
Together, the Deciding Right relaunch, the learning available through the Boost Learning Academy and the upcoming ‘Celebrate, Share and Inspire’ event demonstrate a shared commitment to continuous improvement, collaboration, and compassionate, person-centred care across North East and North Cumbria.
