Trustees of the National Association for Hospice at Home (NAHH) are beginning to consider their next three year strategy. At their upcoming annual conference this year, they will be asking members for their opinions and thoughts says Lesley Spencer, NAHH Vice Chair, and Director of Patient Care and Strategic Development at Princess Alice Hospice in Surrey.
The National Association for Hospice at Home was initially launched in 2000 as a national forum (an umbrella organisation within the then ‘Help the Hospices’, now Hospice UK).
NAHH is the national representative body for Hospice at Home organisations in the United Kingdom. The charity exists to support members as they strive to develop and improve the palliative and end of life care they provide in patients’ own homes. An independent charity since 2004, its fundamental principles and aims have remained intact and these are to:
- Share information and expertise
- Promote and encourage an evidence base
- Develop and publish guidance
- Promote collaboration and relevant action
- Communicate on hospice at home issues with other key stakeholders as appropriate
The Trustee executive committee comprises of up to ten experienced and knowledgeable volunteer professionals from Hospice at Home organisations across the UK. The Association want the very best care for everyone facing the end of life, no matter where they live, who they are or what their condition is.
Current NAHH Vision and Strategy
The Association’s vision is to both inspire and influence in order to support its members to deliver the highest quality hospice care at home. With reference to national guidance it will seek to support the ‘right’ care at the ‘right’ time in the ‘right’ place.
The NAHH has aimed over the last three years to make this vision a reality by adopting five key strategic aims and objectives.
- To collaborate with other national organisations, being a key advocate for hospice at home services
- Offer support to those providing hospice at home services, acting as a critical friend to our members
- Promote innovation, quality and sharing of best practice
- Take an evidence based approach to the advice and support we offer our members
- Ensure that we are sustainable as a charitable organisation.
Key Achievements against NAHH strategy 2015/18
- Year on year delivered a successful annual two day conference event for member services and other professionals interested in Hospice at Home care.
- Planned and delivered three one-day workshops (‘How Best to Care’) for Healthcare Assistants for Summer 2018 across three UK sites in response to our members feedback
- Grown membership
- Become a member of the National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NVCO), allowing NAHH support, advice and training opportunities
- Reviewed members’ website and negotiated a transition to a more contemporary and responsive website
- Provided NAHH representation at Hospice UK Quality Information Advisory Group and maintained links with Power UK as part of their advisory committee.
- Supported members to attend the Association of Palliative Medicines annual Conference
- Presented the NAHH ‘National Vision’ at the 2017 Hospice UK Conference
- Maintained a Risk Register in line with the Risk Management policy to ensure good governance of the CIO
- Maintained strong partnerships with Hospice UK, Carer Support Needs Assessment Tool (CSNAT©) research team, Marie Curie Cancer Care, and NHS England, Together for Short Lives and Sue Ryder
- Participated in Optimum ‘Hospice at Home’ Services for End of Life Care (OPEL) study.
The charity continues to grow, with feedback that conferences are highly successful and provide our audience with challenge and thought provoking discussion. All opinions are welcome and you do not have to be a member to attend. If you wish to be part of shaping the future of Hospice care at Home supported by the NAHH please come and join us.
For more information visit National Association for Hospice at Home
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