Project Overview
A collaborative pilot embedding end-of-life doulas into primary care and hospice pathways in Sussex to provide emotional, practical, and spiritual support for patients approaching the end of life and their families.
Partners:
- WellBN GP practice – referral hub & MDT integration & clinical oversight
- End of Life Doula UK – training, governance, supervision
- 20 individual doulas including: Caroline Lucas & Jenny Granville – credibility & leadership
Why This Matters
- Patients & families often lack consistent non-clinical support at the end of life.
- Primary care teams face increasing pressure managing complex end-of-life care.
- Evidence shows this model reduces hospital admissions, increases preferred place of death, and improves carer wellbeing.
Evidence from Previous Projects
| Outcome | Leeds / SW London Data |
| Hospital admissions in last 3 months of life | 13.43% |
| Died in preferred place | 85.25% |
| Advance care planning uptake | 80.6% |
| Carer wellbeing | Improved |
Project Objectives
- Embed a team of doulas into GP and hospice pathways.
- Reduce unplanned hospital admissions and crisis interventions.
- Increase advance care planning conversations.
- Improve carer wellbeing and continuity of support.
- Co-design a sustainable, scalable Sussex model.
Activities
- Patient identification & referral via GP registers & MDTs.
- Home, hospice, and hospital-based doula support.
- Integration into MDT & GSF meetings.
- Data collection & evaluation (admissions, ACP, carer feedback).
- Iterative co-design with all partners.
Strategic Alignment
- NHS Long Term Plan: Shifts care from hospital to community, reduces admissions, promotes personalised care.
- ICB / PCN: Reduces system pressure, supports community-led care.
- Hospice & Charity Goals: Enhances holistic support and partnership working.
Funding Need
- Doula salaries / sessional fees
- Project coordination & supervision
- Training & governance support
- Evaluation and reporting
- Patient & carer materials
Impact & Scalability
- Proven to reduce hospital admissions and improve outcomes.
- Scalable model across Sussex and potentially nationally.
- Supports system efficiency while delivering compassionate, patient-centred care.