Under the agreement, Keech Hospice becomes a University Hospice, and the University and Keech Hospice will work together to strengthen and advance palliative and end-of-life care for patients and families, developing new learning and research strategies and creating innovative PhD pathways. This will enable students to engage directly in research alongside Keech’s clinical teams, while supporting staff from both organisations to collaborate on world-leading research that improves care, experience and outcomes for people at the end of life.

The MoU builds on an already established partnership between the University and Keech Hospice, which has seen collaboration across a range of education and research projects over several years. By formalising the relationship, both organisations aim to expand joint activity in research, education and student engagement, while delivering meaningful benefits for the local, regional and national communities.

Dr Alison Tresidder, Executive Dean of the Faculty of Health, Community and Life Sciences, said: “This agreement builds on an already strong and successful partnership with Keech Hospice and enables us to deepen our collaboration in research, education and practice. Working together, our staff and students will contribute to world-leading palliative care research, while gaining invaluable experience that supports inclusive, innovative and evidence-based care for local communities.”

Previous collaborative work between the University and Keech Hospice includes a PhD-led study completed in 2023 examining child palliative care and its impact on families, as well as joint palliative care research focused on underserved groups. Most recently, in 2025, the University began leading research into the palliative care needs of the local Eastern European community.

By bringing together two large organisations with deep roots in the area, the MoU represents a positive step for Luton and the surrounding region – benefitting students, staff, patients, families and the wider community.

 Liz Searle, Chief Executive from Keech Hospice, added: “Becoming a University Hospice strengthens our partnership with the University of Bedfordshire and enables us to advance innovative learning and research, enhancing the quality of palliative and end‑of‑life care for our wonderfully diverse community and for the wider sector nationally. By bringing together clinical expertise and academic insight, we can improve care for patients and families while supporting the development of future healthcare professionals.”