Hospice sets out bold vision for community-based end-of-life care

Treetops Hospice has published plans to expand its specialist community‑led end-of-life care.

Launched at a time of rising demand and growing pressure on both bedded hospices and NHS services, the Risley-based end-of-life charity’s new three-year strategy sets out how its non‑bedded model will play a vital role in helping local health and care systems in a sustainable way.

As the Government and Integrated Care Boards consider how end‑of‑life care should be funded and delivered in the future, Treetops says its approach reflects a wider national shift towards flexible, community‑rooted support that can adapt to patient needs.

In line with the Government’s 10‑Year Health Plan to expand community‑based care, the hospice will strengthen and develop its clinical services over the coming years.

This includes evolving its Hospice at Home service into a 24/7 operational model, enhancing specialist expertise, reaching more patients and deepening collaboration with NHS and social care partners.

The strategy launch also comes amid warnings from Hospice UK that the sector is at a “crossroads”, with organisations across the country reassessing how to remain agile.

According to Treetops, while hospices with inpatient wards continue to play an important role for people requiring intensive clinical support outside of the home, many are looking to expand community‑based services that can respond quickly, decrease reliance on bed occupancy and help reduce avoidable hospital admissions.

The charity said its non‑bedded model continuously complements the evolving hospice landscape while providing a financially sustainable, modern approach that aligns with patient preferences and supports long‑term resilience.

Philippa Shreeve, director of clinical services at Treetops, said: “Our approach prioritises helping people plan ahead for their care, supporting complex cases and stepping in quickly to provide our expertise when someone is in crisis.

“Providing more care in the community is vital. It helps people stay at home if that’s what they want, and it supports the wider health system to manage demand.”

John Knight, chief executive at Treetops, said: “The unfortunate UK decline of available hospice beds and the fact that most people’s preferred place of death is in the place they call home, clearly indicates the growing need for specialist community-based palliative care.

“This has been and remains Treetops’ core purpose.

“Our forward‑looking model is designed to deliver high quality care where people feel most comfortable, and to contribute constructively to the national discussion about how hospice services adapt for the future.”