Marie Curie responds to Review of Choice in End of Life Care

Marie Curie welcomes the findings of the Choice Review in England and strongly supports the recommendation that by 2020 everyone who is affected by terminal illness is offered the choice about where and how they are cared for.

Phil McCarvill, Head of Policy and Public Affairs in England for Marie Curie, said:

“Too many people die in hospital, simply because they aren’t offered the choice about their care or given the practical support needed to help them make informed decisions, which we think is completely unacceptable.

“The impact a lack of choice can have goes much further than just the person living with a terminal illness, taking away the ability to choose where people die can have a serious effect on bereaved families and carers causing issues with guilt and grief. We need to ensure that support is in place so less money is spent on expensive hospital care for people who often do not want or need it.
 
“If, by 2020, we want to ensure that choice about care is a reality for all people affected by terminal illness, the next Parliament needs to rethink the way care and support is provided to terminally ill people and their families. We need to ensure money is invested in the right way, ensuring those affected by terminal illness are supported to live well and stay out of hospital for as long as possible. We know that this is not only cost-effective for the NHS but allows people to have greater choice and flexibility around their care.”