Partnership working between hospice and children’s community nursing teams

Abstract

This article describes the implementation and evaluation of a new partnership between a children’s hospice service and an NHS children’s community nursing team to support children’s palliative care in the community. Aims and outcomes of the service were established in its initial design and it was monitored for quality and improvement over its first year. Mixed methods of audit and evaluation strategies were used to assess the quality of the service. Findings demonstrate that it has offered significant support to children, and families valued the role of the new Alexander’s nurse. Professionals described improved communication and working relationships through the collaborative partnership. The evaluation also identified areas of learning for future development of the service.