RCOT Responds to Consultation on Palliative and End of Life Care
RCOT Responds to Consultation on Palliative and End of Life Care
The Royal College of Occupational Therapists (RCOT) has submitted a response to the Department of Health and Social Care’s consultation on Palliative and End of Life Care (PCEoLC), highlighting the vital role Occupational Therapists (OTs) play in supporting people to live towards the end of their lives.
This consultation is part of wider efforts to improve access, quality, and sustainability of PCEoLC services across England, aligned with the ambitions of the 10-Year Health Plan. RCOT’s response draws on frontline experience and was developed with support from the RCOT Palliative and End of Life Care Practice Network.
Key recommendations include:
- National standards for equipment delivery to reduce delays and prevent avoidable harm.
- Earlier referral pathways to embed OTs into care planning sooner.
- Recognition of specialist OT roles, including the ability to complete SR1 forms for fast-tracked benefits.
- Inclusion in public health and commissioning strategies, with defined staffing ratios and investment in training.
- Workforce planning and funding reform to support sustainable, community-based care.
RCOT is committed to ensuring that Occupational Therapy is more effectively embedded in future plans for PCEoLC and welcomes further collaboration with DHSC and NHS England.
Palliative and End of Life Care Review - September 2025.pdf (PDF, 127KB)
Get involved
This response was shaped by members of the Palliative and End of Life Care Practice Network. If you’d like to contribute to future consultations and policy work, we encourage you to join a Practice Network via the RCOT Communities Platform.