In Greater Manchester, we believe in care that is connected, compassionate, and person-centred – especially at the most critical moments in a person’s life. Today, we’re proud to launch the GMCR EPaCCS (Electronic Palliative Care Coordination System) Toolkit – a powerful resource designed to support health and social care professionals in delivering high-quality, coordinated end-of-life care.

What is GMCR EPaCCS?

GMCR EPaCCS enables professionals across health and social care to view and contribute to a single, shared record of an individual’s preferences and wishes for end-of-life care. For GPs, community services, in-hours and out of hours, as well as hospices and hospitals, accessing GMCR EPaCCS ensures we are working with the same understanding of what matters most to the individual we are caring for.

It’s not just a system – it’s a shared space for communication, built to give individuals and their families peace of mind and help professionals work as one.

It Starts with a Conversation

We’ve heard from professionals across Greater Manchester that the most meaningful care often begins with a simple conversation – sparked by something an individual says, or a new piece of clinical information that signals a change in care needs. An open discussion with an individual around their preferences and wishes. And by asking, “Is it ok to share this information?”, we open the door to better care.

That’s where GMCR EPaCCS comes in.

With an individual’s consent, you can document and share vital information – wishes, concerns, preferred places of care, or key clinical details. This reduces repetition for them, avoids confusion across teams, and ensures the right care is delivered at the right time.

Why it Matters

• 🌱 Better care planning – Individuals are supported to think ahead, reflect on their wishes, and shape care that reflects their values.
• 🤝 Joined-up care – Professionals from different services contribute to a unified plan, avoiding duplication and making crisis moments more manageable.
• ⏱️ Time saved, lives improved – Key information from conversations recorded within the GMCR EPaCCS become the foundation of care – so that future interactions build on what’s already known.
• 🏡 Care where it matters – With shared information, individuals are more likely to receive care in their preferred place, supported by teams who understand their story.

A Toolkit to Get You Started

To help you begin – or build confidence using GMCR EPaCCS – we’ve developed a practical toolkit including:

• 🎥 Short videos introducing EPaCCS, supporting conversations, and sharing the benefits of coordinated care.
• 🛠️ Guidance and support on using GMCR EPaCCS in your everyday practice.
• 📄 Templates, top tips and FAQs to help you document care plans effectively.

Together, We Make a Difference

Your role is vital. Whether you’re initiating care planning conversations or updating the shared record, your input shapes how we support people through the final stages of life. GMCR EPaCCS empowers you to deliver care that is coordinated, compassionate, and truly reflective of each individual’s wishes.

Let’s ensure every person in Greater Manchester has the opportunity to experience dignified, person-centred end-of-life care – starting with a conversation, and continuing with collaboration.

Start the conversation. Share the conversation.