Marie Curie comments on research that uncovers lack of end of life care priorisation in councils
Comment published
Rick Wright, Policy Manager, Marie Curie, said:
"This analysis from King’s College London* clearly demonstrates the challenge we face in providing end of life care to everyone who needs it. Local authorities are a key player in improving care for people approaching the end of their lives, and the fact that only 4% identify it as a priority is immensely concerning.
"The analysis also shows huge inequalities in spending on end of life care between different local authorities, meaning that the quality of care people receive at the end of their lives will vary hugely depending on where they happen to live. This will only become more pressing as demand for end of life care spirals in the next 20 years due to our aging population.
"Continuing to treat end of life care as an afterthought prevents vulnerable people from getting care and support they need at the end of their lives and leaves us dangerously unprepared for rising demand. Local authorities and policymakers have to take responsibility for tackling these challenges, and that means making end of life care a strategic priority."