The future delivery of specialist palliative care in our region

Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board is reviewing how specialist palliative care and end of life care are provided across our region. Earlier this year (2026), we asked patients, families, carers, staff and the wider public for their feedback to help us shape services for the future.

Our aim is to make sure people with serious, life-limiting illness receive the right care, in the right place, at the right time, and in a way that reflects what matters most to them.

What is specialist palliative care?

Specialist palliative care supports a small number of people with complex needs, such as severe pain, difficult symptoms or challenging decisions about treatment. It is provided by highly trained specialists who focus solely on palliative care and work alongside other health and care teams.

What is palliative care and end of life care?

Palliative care can be given at any stage of a life-limiting illness and alongside other treatments. It focuses on comfort, symptom control, emotional and practical support, and support for families and carers. Some people receive palliative care for years.

End of life care is for people who are likely to be in the last months of life. It focuses on comfort, dignity and quality of life, including supporting people to die in their preferred place where possible.

Why are we looking to change services?

Our current specialist palliative care services are not sustainable and are not meeting the growing needs of our population. We also know that many people would prefer to spend their final days at home or in their community, rather than in hospital, when it is safe and appropriate to do so.

Changes are being considered to strengthen community-based care, make better use of specialist staff, and ensure services can continue safely in the future.

Although the engagement period has now finished, you can find out more about the proposals via the links below.