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Read project updates, announcements, and stories from the work PATCH supports.
Read moreWhat we doWe help hospitals deliver better palliative care, 24/7
Palliative care is relief from pain and other distressing symptoms, plus time for careful conversations and planning with patients and families. PATCH exists to strengthen that care in hospitals, where the need is greatest.
In the UK, around half of people die in hospital, while hospice capacity is limited. Patients and families deserve access to specialist palliative care support when they need it, day or night.
In practiceWe support projects that improve care for patients, families, and staff
We fund and support practical initiatives, often created by the teams on the ground, that improve symptom control, communication, training, and the hospital experience for people who are very unwell.
Funding can help hospitals develop palliative care in many forms: for example dedicated beds, specialist staff time, advisory services, education, and research. PATCH also works alongside other charities, universities, and NHS boards where shared effort benefits patients and families.
- Patients and families. Faster relief of pain and distressing symptoms, plus time and privacy for discussions about what matters and what happens next.
- Staff. Education and tools that make difficult conversations easier and improve confidence in end‑of‑life care across busy wards.
- Hospitals. Models of care that raise standards across the hospital, not just in one unit, so better palliative care becomes part of everyday clinical work.
Where we are11 years on, we’re funding practical change across Scotland
PATCH’s support includes education and training, research, and practical improvements that help staff care for patients and families in the busiest settings.
- nurses supported through courses and postgraduate study.
- ~240
- staff supported via three NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde group courses (2024 to 2025).
- 180
- attendees on an Inspiring Leadership course (2024 to 2025).
- 41
- relatives’ beds funded so families can stay overnight.
- 5
- final-year medical students on a communications course originally supported by PATCH.
- 160/yr
- CSO grant (2024) building on earlier starter support for unscheduled care research.
- £1m
Learn moreExplore the key questions
Short pages on palliative care, why hospitals matter, and how PATCH works, with news for updates on supported work as it develops.
SupportHelp us make this care available to more people
Donations help PATCH fund education, research, and innovation so hospitals can deliver specialist palliative care when patients need it, day or night.
Latest updates
Recent news and updates from PATCH.