This guide builds upon the framework set out in 'The route to success in end of life care – achieving quality in acute hospitals', published in 2010. It highlighted best practice models developed by acute hospital trusts, providing a framework to enable hospitals to deliver high quality care to people at the end of life. This guide aims to help clinicians, managers and directors implement 'The route to success' more effectively, drawing on valuable learning from the NHS Institute for Innovation and Improvement’s Productive Ward: Releasing time to care series.