Local care to national impact

“I joined Sobell House in 2003 – from the start, my role combined clinical care and teaching, and over time I also took on national responsibilities, including serving as President of the Association for Palliative Medicine and later as National Clinical Director. My work at Sobell was critical during this time – it grounded me clinically and enabled me to contribute meaningfully at a national level. At the same time, I brought back national insights to the local service.

Sobell House is one of the few palliative care services in the country jointly funded by the NHS and a charity. We provide fully integrated care across inpatient, community, and hospital settings, giving patients continuity of care that makes a real difference.

Over time, palliative care has become more complex; people are living longer, often with multiple conditions, and much of this care now takes place in the community. While there are more layers of support available, they are not always well integrated, which can create challenges for both patients and professionals.

At Sobell, we have worked hard to respond to these changes, with developments such as the RIPEL service (Rapid Intervention). RIPEL represents a step forward – bringing together crisis response and home-based care into a more seamless experience for patients. It has also been recognised nationally as an example of innovative practice.

Of course, we’ve faced challenges along the way. The COVID-19 pandemic tested us but also strengthened our shared sense of purpose. Everyone – clinical staff, support teams, volunteers – remains united in providing the best possible care for patients and families.

Alongside clinical care and research, teaching is central to what we do. All medical students in Oxford spend time learning about palliative care. Recently, a doctor recognised me in A&E and recalled something I had taught him 20 years ago – a reminder that everything we do has a lasting impact.

Looking ahead, my hope is that we continue to adapt while holding onto what matters most: compassionate care that maximises quality of life. While clinical advances are important, we must never lose sight of the individual behind the patient, nor the importance of supporting families and carers. That, ultimately, is our legacy.”