Improving Equitable Access to Healthcare for Children and Young People with Life-Limiting Conditions

This project focuses on children and young people (CYP) in the UK with life-limiting conditions (LLCs) transitioning from paediatric to adult care. While medical advances have extended life expectancy, healthcare services often fail to meet their specialised needs requiring developmentally appropriate care, multidisciplinary coordination, and early palliative support. 

Many CYP with LLCs are overlooked in decision-making and receive services designed for adults, leading to prolonged pain, psychological distress, and reduced support during critical transitions. The challenges are even greater for some minority ethnic groups and reflect wider gaps in NHS strategies to address inequalities.

Our team, bringing together expertise in ethics, law, health economics, and paediatric palliative care, will work with healthcare stakeholders to examine gaps, challenges, and opportunities for advancing equitable healthcare access for one of the most underserved patient groups in the UK.