Publish date: 29 September 2026
A pioneering partnership between Rowans Hospice, Portsmouth Hospitals University NHS Trust (PHU) and Hampshire and Isle of Wight Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust (HIOWH) has helped over 300 people spend their final days at home, rather than in hospital, during its first year of operation.
The Emergency End of Life Response Team (EELRT) was established to address a significant gap between people's wishes and reality at the end of life. While more than 90% of people say they would prefer to die at home, in their usual care home or in a hospice, over 40% still die in hospital.
Over the past 12 months, the EELRT service has worked to ensure more people can spend their final days in their preferred place of care.
The service brings together specialist clinicians from across the three organisations, providing rapid assessment, coordinated care and expert support for patients approaching the end of life. Whether responding to an emergency call from a paramedic in the early hours of the morning, assessing patients within minutes of arrival in the Emergency Department, or helping someone fulfil a final wish before they die, the team focuses on what matters most to patients and their families.
In its first year, EELRT has enabled over 300 people across Portsmouth and south east Hampshire to remain at home, return home, or receive care in a hospice during their final days. The service also avoided 1,473 hospital bed days, representing an estimated saving of over £1 million.
Dr Sarah Russell, Consultant Nurse and Trust lead for Palliative and End of Life Care at Portsmouth Hospitals University NHS Trust, said: “We’re so proud of everything we have achieved in our first year. What makes the service special is whether a patient is in hospital or at home, as one team we focus and act quickly upon what matters most to them at the end of their life.”
Dr Katie Jerram, Specialist Doctor in Palliative Medicine and Medical Director at Rowans Hospice, added: “Together, we have created a model that is improving experiences for patients and families, reducing unnecessary hospital stays and helping people spend more time in their preferred place of care. The positive impact which has been realised in the first year belongs to everyone who has contributed to making that vision a long term reality.”
AnMarie Channer RN, Head of Clinical Services for Community Specialist Palliative Care, Hampshire and Isle of Wight Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, Portsmouth and South-East Hampshire Division: “We are proud of the impact of that the partnership has had in this first year. The partnership has importantly challenged traditional ways of working, striving to find new ways to ensure that truly remains person-centred. We are incredibly proud that this partnership is helping more people receive care in the place they choose, while supporting staff to make confident, person-centred decisions at some of life's most important moments.”
A family recently benefited from the support of EELRT when an elderly person with advanced dementia and frailty became seriously unwell at home. When paramedics attended, it was clear that the patient was approaching the end of life. Having previously expressed a wish to avoid hospital admission and remain at home, the family contacted the EELRT service for support.
A member of the Rowans Hospice at Home team attended within 20 minutes, providing expert symptom management, personal care and emotional support for the patient's loved ones. Throughout the day and evening, the team remained available, responding quickly whenever additional help was needed.
Thanks to the coordinated response between ambulance services, hospice and community teams, the patient's wishes were honoured. The patient died peacefully at home later that evening, surrounded by family, receiving compassionate care in the place they had chosen.
The success of EELRT has been recognised on a national stage, with the service shortlisted for the 2026 HSJ Patient Safety Awards. The shortlist celebrates exceptional initiatives that improve patient care and safety across the NHS. The recognition reflects the dedication, innovation and partnership working that underpins the service.