Marie Curie response to "Palliative care provisions are not meeting the needs of an ageing population"

Simon Jones, Director of Policy and Public Affairs at Marie Curie, responds to “Palliative care provisions are not meeting the needs of an ageing population” commentary published in Age and Ageing

“Research tells us that older people have more unmet pain and less access to palliative care services than younger people with clearer illnesses.

“This commentary adds further weight to the argument for increased investment in care and support for people at the end of their lives.  Ensuring that we have enough palliative care doctors and nurses in the future requires decisions to be taken now.  Specialist staff cannot be turned on like a tap, they take time to train and develop.

“Whilst having the right number of specialist palliative care staff is very important  so is investment in ensuring that all professionals that provide care for people at the end of their lives have the necessary skills, knowledge and support they need to deliver that care.

“Only with the right number of specialist palliative care doctors and nurses and all other relevant professionals adequately equipped is there any chance of people getting the care and support they need to have the best possible quality of life at the end of their lives.”