We are pleased to announce that from December 2024, we will provide the full Rapid Response Palliative Care service in Darlington, following a contract awarded by regional commissioners.
Our approach prioritises patient comfort and early recognition of dying, which is achieved in over 70% of patients, a figure that is above the national average. We also honour patients' wishes, with 90% of our community patients achieving their preferred place of death.
The transition to the new contract will be seamless, with no disruption to the care patients and their families currently receive. We are committed to working closely with the existing provider, St Teresa’s Hospice, to ensure that high-quality care and support continues uninterrupted. The same dedicated teams, using the same contact numbers, will remain in place, providing continuity for all patients.
We already operate a single point of access service for rapid response care in Darlington, meaning patients and their loved ones will continue to benefit from the same trusted, experienced care team they know and rely on.
We are committed to maintaining the high standard of care that our community expects and deserves, ensuring that patients continue to receive the best possible support at the time they need it most.