UK government publishes interim Modern Service Framework for palliative care
8th July 2026
The UK Government has published an interim Modern Service Framework for palliative care.
This sets out a vision for improving palliative and end of life care, so that people receive high-quality, consistent care when they need it. At the moment access to palliative and end of life care is not consistent. People’s experiences often depend on where they live, who they are, and why they are ill.
Hospices are a vital part of this care system, supporting thousands of people every year alongside NHS services. But rising demand, increasing costs and a broken funding model mean many hospices are facing difficult decisions about the services they can provide. Palliative care capacity within the NHS is limited too and not sufficient to meet the increasing need for palliative care.
In 2021 Cicely Saunders International published a 7-point action plan for delivering good palliative care in hospitals, hospices and in the community.
Responding to the latest developments Professor Katherine Sleeman at the Cicely Saunders Institute said:
“The need to improve palliative and end-of-life care has never been more urgent. Our research shows that one in three people die with avoidable suffering. At the same time, stark inequalities in access and outcomes persist, while demographic change means demand for palliative care will grow substantially in the years ahead. The interim update on the Modern Service Framework is therefore a very positive step, particularly its emphasis on evidence, outcome measurement, and reducing inequalities. If we are to ensure that everyone receives high-quality care tailored to what matters most to them, these priorities must remain at the heart of the final Framework.”