New 24 hour nursing service is a life line for people in Hillingdon

Your Life Line (YLL) is a 24 hour, responsive nursing service and care coordination hub which offers patients and their families someone to speak to, who understands their needs, 24 hours a day, and the support to spend their final moments in their preferred place (often at home).

The team discuss care over the telephone and arrange home visits to support, where needed.

Hillingdon is a beacon for what is possible across the UK. Community staff offer so much and we chose CNWL as they wanted to drive change and they had evidence that this service could make a difference.

Clodagh Warde, Director of Social Finance (a non profit organisation who worked in partnership with CNWL and commissioners to design and deliver the service).

The feedback we’ve already had says a lot. We’ve already been there to give carer support in the final moments. We’ve had 125 calls (57 out of hours) and arranged 31 home visits; In October we have already supported 22 deaths including being present for two, all of these were in the patients’ preferred place of care and death. That makes a difference.

Barbara Van Brummen, CNWL’s Hillingdon Specialist Palliative Care Service Team Lead

Patient and carer feedback received so far includes:

• 'Knowing that the YLL 24/7 team was there made us feel safe' - (patient relative)

• 'I knew I could call and no matter if the visit were required or not they would be there and always supported' - (patient relative)

• 'Their professionalism and support was excellent, they will be the first port of call for all calls' - (consultant)

• As well as providing better quality of care for its patients, YLL 24/7 contributes to the health system in Hillingdon by reducing pressure on emergency services, A&E and hospital wards.

For more information, click here.