Local insights
Our End of Life Service
About Our End Of Life Service
Bluebird Care Newcastle is proud to support the NHS with our Palliative Care Fast Track service, ensuring patients receive compassionate end of life care in the comfort of their own homes. We operate four "double up" care runs between the hours of 07:00 and 22:00, providing vital care to those in need of swift hospital discharge. Each double up run involves two carers visiting the customer for four 30-minute calls, delivering a total of 2 hours of care daily
In addition to our daytime support, we offer a single night shift once a week from 22:00 to 07:00, ensuring continuity of care for patients requiring overnight assistance.
This service plays a crucial role for the NHS in Newcastle by helping to free up hospital beds for those in need, while also providing families peace of mind, knowing their loved ones are receiving expert care at home during their final days.
End Of Life Service Data
Since December 2021
Number of referrals: | 539 |
Number of referrals accepted: | 493 |
Percentage of referrals accepted: | 91.4% |
Total number of accepted referrals that did not come home: | 43 |
Number of people still with the service 10 weeks following referral: | 142 |
Percentage of people who died in their preferred place | 98.2% |
Number of people died in their preferred place: | 268 |
Case Study: Norma H
Enhancing Quality of Life Through Compassionate End-of-Life Care
Norma H. first joined Bluebird Care Newcastle's End-of-Life (EOL) Fast Track service on September 1st, 2023. She remained with us for 12 weeks, during which time our care team worked closely with Norma and her family to ensure she was able to spend her final days in the comfort of her own home, surrounded by familiar faces and an expert, compassionate team. After her initial care period, Norma no longer required support from Bluebird Care.
However, on February 19th, 2024, Norma returned to our service for a second time, where she remained under our care for 8 weeks until she sadly passed away. Throughout both periods, our care team provided her with personalized support, which not only enhanced her quality of life during such a challenging time but, in many cases, extended her life due to the expert care and attention she received.
At Bluebird Care, we believe that high-quality end-of-life care is about more than just managing symptoms—it's about helping people live with dignity and comfort during their final stages. Our team supported Norma with essential tasks, including personal hygiene, continence care, mobility assistance, and ensuring she was comfortable in her surroundings. This level of attentive care allowed Norma to avoid hospital admissions and stay at home with her loved ones for as long as possible.
In Norma's case, and many others, our service provided her with a better quality of life, enabling her to remain independent where possible and comfortable where needed. The consistent care, tailored to her changing needs, not only eased her physical discomfort but also gave her and her family emotional comfort, knowing that she was receiving the best possible care.
Norma's story illustrates the profound impact that compassionate, home-based care can have, offering individuals more time with their families and enhancing their overall wellbeing during end-of-life. Through personalized care, Bluebird Care is dedicated to supporting people in living their final days with dignity, comfort, and peace.
