This report published by the National Council for Palliative Care shows there has been an increase in the availability and use of inpatient specialist palliative care beds in England.

Download National Survey of Patient Activity Data for Specialist Palliative Care Services

The report shows that the mean number of patients seen in inpatient units is at its highest level in more than ten years, with the average number of available beds (those that are or can be used) also at a high. The proportion of occupied beds has also remained high at 74.8%, reflecting efficient use of beds, although there are considerable variations across the country.

The report also finds that people receiving specialist palliative care are more likely to be able to die at home, the place where most people say that want to die.

The report also shows that specialist palliative care services have made considerable progress in opening up to non-cancer patients, but that there remains a long way to go.