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In response to Health Secretary, Jeremy Hunt’s announcement today that millions of elderly people will be given a dedicated GP accountable for their care around the clock, Imelda Redmond CBE, Director of Policy and Public Affairs at Marie Curie Cancer Care, said:
“Marie Curie welcomes the announcement today that will see named GPs co-ordinate care for people over 75. We know from our own patients and their families that GPs make a vital difference for patients, ensuring that they can access the care and support that they need swiftly.
“This is especially true for patients who are at the end of life. Most people who are terminally ill will spend the last year of their life under the care of their GP, with the majority of their palliative care provided under the direction of their GP. Having a named GP that is responsible for the care of a patient with palliative care needs will help ensure they receive the right care, in the right place. GPs are key to ensuring that people nearing the end of life are identified early and can enable better planned and co-ordinated care in line with their needs and wishes.
“At a time when A&Es are already under immense pressure, we hope today’s announcement will mean the high number of avoidable emergency admissions for elderly people with palliative care needs can be reduced by ensuring the right care packages are in place.”
Marie Curie recently announced a partnership with the Royal College of General Practitioners (RCGP) to improve care for patients nearing the end of their lives. However, GPs can’t work in isolation that is why Marie Curie is calling on the Government to:
- Provide 24/7 access to palliative care.
- Enshrine a right to be offered an advanced care plan for terminally ill people in the NHS Constitution.
- Provide swift access to free social care for people in the last six months of life.
- Make EPaCCS universally available to terminally ill people and their families.
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