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<p>In 2016, NHS England published guidance prepared in collaboration with expert reference
groups, and led by the National Clinical Director for End of Life Care, in response
to requests by commissioners, service providers and clinicians for a clear description
of what should be provided in terms of specialist level palliative care for people
with progressive, life-limiting illness who have complex needs, and/or those whose
usual care teams require the expert advice, guidance and support of those with specialist
knowledge and skills in palliative care. The guidance states that ‘arrangements should
be in place for specialist support to the wider care team at all times, 24 hours a
day, seven days a week. The service should have access to all essential specialists
to constitute a specialist level palliative care team’. The guidance also includes
the provision of “medical and nursing cover to allow assessment, advice and active
management seven days a week, and 24 hour telephone advice” as an expected service
characteristic.</p>
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