On Wednesday 29 March, the trustee boards of both Hospice UK and the National Council for Palliative Care (NCPC) agreed to work towards the merger of the two organisations.
Tracey Bleakley, chief executive of Hospice UK, will become the Acting CEO of NCPC from May 31st during the interim period before a merger is agreed. Hospice UK also announced that Claire Henry MBE, current chief executive of NCPC, will be joining the Hospice UK team as director of improvement and transformation in June this year.
Ilora Finlay, Baroness Finlay of Llandaff, Chair of NCPC, said: “I’m delighted that our organisations are joining forces to further strengthen the voice for excellent palliative and end of life care for all. NCPC has, in its 25 years, done so much to broaden and develop end of life care, and palliative care has become mainstream across health and social care – which was always our aim.
“By coming together, we will continue to provide a clear vision and an even stronger voice for end of life care everywhere, because the most important person in end of life care is the person with the life limiting condition and their family. Dying Matters has opened up a national conversation about death and dying. The voice of the person will be strengthened and broadened through direct communication with those providing care; together we are stronger as we take this vital work forward.”
Michael Howard, Lord Howard of Lympne, chair of Hospice UK, said: “Everyone has the right to the very best end of life care and support, wherever they live, and whatever their condition. As the national voice of hospice care in the UK, we are constantly looking for ways to improve the quality of care received by those reaching the end of life.
“By collaborating directly with NCPC we can pool resources, share knowledge and expand our reach – and ultimately improve outcomes for the beneficiaries of end of life care. I am very excited about this new chapter and the opportunities it will open up for everyone involved in hospice and palliative care.”
