New service from Keech

The project has been developed in collaboration with Luton Clinical Commissioning Group, the Luton and Dunstable Hospital and Cambridgeshire Community Services.

Keech head of care services Elaine Tolliday said: “Too many people spend their final days in hospital, contrary to their wishes.

“This pathway aims to ensure that patients’ wishes are respected and that support is in place to help them, their families and the professionals caring for them.”

She added: “This service will ultimately support patients to remain at home in their final days.”

Luton Clinical Commissioning Group chair Nian Pearson said: “Ensuring high quality and compassionate care for patients approaching the end of their life, aloing with a dignified death in the place of their choice, is so important in a civilised society.”

The My Care Co-ordination Team will provide care packages working closely with hospital, community, hospice and social care colleagues.

Theywill ensure care is co-ordinated effectively and responds to specific needs, improving the experience of patients and their carers.