Leaving hospital for end-of-life care
This page explains what care is available, where it can be provided, how to access it, and what help is available for families and carers.
Our goal is to ensure that individuals are treated with dignity and compassion, and where possible, are supported in their preferred place of care - whether at home, in a hospice, or another care setting.
What is end-of-life care?
End-of-life care is for people who are in the final months, weeks, or days of life due to a life-limiting illness.
The focus is on:
- keeping the person as comfortable as possible
- managing symptoms and relieving pain
- supporting emotional, psychological and spiritual needs
- respecting the individual’s wishes, including where they would like to be cared for
This type of care is also known as palliative care.
Who is it for?
End-of-life care is provided to people with advanced progressive illnesses, including:
- cancer
- heart failure
- lung conditions such as COPD
- neurological conditions (eg. Parkinson’s disease or motor neurone disease)
- advanced dementia or frailty
- any other life-limiting illness
Care is tailored to the individual and may include support for their family or carers.
Where can end-of-life care be provided?
At home
With the right support, many people choose to die at home. This may involve: community palliative care teams GP and district nurses
Hospice-at-home services
In a care or nursing home Suitable for people who already live in a care home or need more support than can be safely provided at home.
Hospice care
St Christopher’s Hospice provides inpatient care, day services and outreach for Lewisham residents.
In hospital
Some people may remain in hospital due to complex medical needs. Specialist palliative care teams are available to support comfort and dignity.
How do I arrange end-of-life care after leaving hospital?
- the hospital team will discuss your options before discharge
- your GP or community nurse may be involved in coordinating care at home
- you may be referred to hospice services or specialist teams depending on your needs
- Lewisham Adult Social Care can support with care at home or help you explore care placements
How much does it cost?
Some services are free of charge, depending on your health needs:
- NHS-funded care (including community nursing and palliative teams)
- fast track NHS continuing healthcare (CHC) funding for people at end of life
- hospice care provided by charities such as St Christopher’s
If long-term care or additional support is needed, a financial assessment may determine whether the Council can help with costs.
End-of-life care providers in Lewisham
St Christopher’s Hospice
- specialist palliative care for Lewisham residents and those registered with a Lewisham GP
- services include hospice at home, inpatient care, outpatient support, and bereavement services
- address: Lawrie Park Road, Sydenham, SE26 6DZ phone: 020 8768 4500
- email: info@stchristophers.org.uk
- St Christopher's Hospice website
Marie Curie
- palliative nursing and rapid-response end-of-life care in the community
- referral required from your GP, community nurse or specialist palliative care team
- Marie Curie website
Bereavement and grief support
St Christopher’s Bereavement Service
- counselling and group support
- includes services for children and young people
- phone: 020 8768 4500
- St Christopher's Bereavement Service
Cruse Bereavement Support (Lewisham and SE London)
- one-to-one and group support, including for children
- phone: 0808 808 1677
- email: helpline@cruse.org.uk
- Cruse Bereavement Support website
Lewisham Mindful Mums (BLG Mind)
- bereavement peer support for mothers
- phone: 020 3228 5969
- email: mindfulmums@blgmind.org.uk
- Lewisham Mindful Mums website
The Good Grief Trust
- national support network and online resources
- The Good Grief Trust website
Practical support after a death
Registering a death
- must be done within five days at Lewisham Register Office
- address: Civic Suite, Catford Road, SE6 4RU phone: 020 8314 9524
Arranging a funeral
- contact local funeral directors
- St Christopher's offers bereavement support
- the Council’s public health funeral service supports those without next of kin
- more information on funerals
Financial help after bereavement
You may be eligible for:
- bereavement support payment
- funeral expenses payment (for people on benefits)
- council tax reduction
More information
Support for children and young people
- Child Bereavement UK: 0800 02 888 40
- Winston’s Wish: 08088 020 021
Planning ahead: making your wishes known
Advance care planning (ACP) helps ensure your wishes are respected. This might include:
- advance decisions to refuse specific treatments
- lasting power of attorney (LPA) for health or finance
- do not attempt resuscitation (DNAR) orders
Speak to your GP, social worker or care provider for support with planning.
Share your experience
We welcome feedback from individuals, carers, and families about their experience of end-of-life care in Lewisham. Email: endoflife@lewisham.gov.uk.