Improving access to palliative care for those living with frailty

St Leonard’s Hospice has been fortunate to secure funding through Hospice UK to recruit a Palliative Care and Frailty Nurse Coordinator to support people living in York. The aim of this new role is to work collaboratively with key colleagues across health and social care so more people who are living with frailty are able to die at home, if that is their wish.

Clare Mullarkey (pictured) has recently been appointed by the Hospice to this new role. With a strong background in District Nursing and Frailty, she brings many years of experience in the field. Clare will be working alongside colleagues at the Frailty Hub, based at Acomb Garth, to help identify those nearing the end of their life. Her role will ensure that both patients and their carers receive timely care and support, with the aim of enabling more people to remain at home in their final days.

Research shows that, given a choice, more people living in York would prefer to die at home. Currently, however, people living with frailty are more likely to die in hospital. The new role, in collaboration with the health and social care community, aims to address this inequity.

Clare, who has been seconded from Nimbuscare for 12 months, is currently working with key partners like GP surgeries and social services to explain her role and remit. Acting as a link between the Hospice and the Frailty Hub in Acomb, she aims to ensure more people’s end-of-life wishes are met.

Clare said: “Hospice UK has identified that there are inequalities in access to care for people living with life-limiting illnesses like heart failure, dementia and frailty compared with those living with cancer. Our aim is to bring services together to improve care for people. This new role is about creating stronger links. We’ve seen it work well in other areas, and I’m looking forward to making it a success in York”

James Rushby, Advanced Clinical Practitioner at St Leonard’s Hospice said:

“We’re incredibly grateful for this funding from James Place through Hospice UK, which allows us to enhance palliative care for people living with frailty in York. Too often, those with non-cancer life-limiting illnesses face barriers to accessing the right support at the right time. Clare’s role will help bridge that gap, ensuring more people receive compassionate, coordinated care in their preferred place, at the end of their life. We are looking forward to seeing the positive impact this will have for patients, families, and the community.”