The Scottish Government has announced it will extend a successful programme run by the Scottish Ambulance Service (SAS), enabling its Palliative and End of Life Care team to continue its work.

£417,000 will be invested to enable the SAS team to continue transforming care for patients nearing the end of life, enhancing dignity, comfort, and choice while reducing pressure on emergency services.

30 alternative care pathways to Emergency Departments have been developing including direct referrals to hospices and cancer support helplines.

In 2023-24, the approach led to a reduction of 1,600 patients conveyed to hospital; 1,451 fewer ambulance attendances in 2023/24 compared to the previous year; and 4000 staff trained in palliative care support.

Health secretary Neil Gray said: "The Scottish Government is committed to ensuring that everyone who needs it can access high-quality, timely, and well-coordinated palliative care. The work of the Palliative and End of Life Care Team is a fantastic example of what can be achieved through partnership working, and I am pleased that we are able to provide this funding to extend their vital work."

Michael Dickson OBE, chief executive of the Scottish Ambulance Service said: “We welcome this funding, which will help us build on the success of previous work and will further develop our specialist capability to support patients with palliative and end-of-life needs across Scotland.

“The funding will expand training, deepen our partnership working with health and social care partners and further improve patient experience, dignity, and choice at the end of life.”