Date published: 15 May 2025 by Sophie Wichman
A new report from the Commission on Palliative and End of Life Care has been published: “Palliative Care and End-of-Life Care - Opportunities for England” (Volume 1)”. Chaired by Prof Sir Mike Richards, Rachael Maskell MP and Baroness Ilora Finlay, the Commission has gathered oral and written evidence to support the government’s development of the NHS 10-Year Health Plan.
Speaking today, Zillah Bingley, Chief Executive, who gave oral evidence to the Commission, said of the new report:
“I welcome this important report. On behalf of the families we support, I was pleased to have the chance to give oral evidence to the Commission, and Rainbow Trust also submitted written evidence. Our evidence reflects what we consistently hear from families – that care for children with a terminal or life-threatening illness is too often inequitable and inadequate, and that many parents are left overwhelmed and unsupported.
“I particularly welcome the report’s focus on Integrated Care Boards and the call for greater accountability in how services for children are commissioned and improved, as well as the urgent need to strengthen bereavement support.
“I strongly agree that specialist palliative care must be delivered through holistic, multidisciplinary support – not only clinical, but practical and emotional too. At Rainbow Trust, we are already helping families stay out of hospital where possible, supporting early discharge, and providing vital care at home – all of which can improve wellbeing and reduce pressure on stretched services.
“I also welcome the report’s emphasis on building public understanding of palliative care and bereavement. These should not be taboo subjects, and we know how important it is that schools, employers and other settings are equipped to support children and families through a death.
“I hope this report prompts the national strategy that is so clearly needed – one that recognises the complexity of children’s social palliative care and the vital role of organisations like Rainbow Trust in helping families live well, for as long as possible.”
