Marie Curie response to the government’s review of Choice in End of Life Care

In response to the Government’s announcement yesterday that a new review looking at how to implement a national choice offer for people who are terminally ill and dying, ensuring people approaching the end of their lives have their preferences for care respected will be undertaken.

Imelda Redmond CBE, Director of Policy & Public Affairs for Marie Curie said:

“Choice about treatment and a sense of being in control of your own care is important for all of us and this is especially at the end of life. Sadly, too many people who are terminally ill or dying are still not being consulted about their preferences for care because health and social care professionals and families often find it difficult to have these conversations. As a result many people find themselves being cared for in a place they do not want to be – often hospital, where over 50% of people still die despite often not having a clinical need to be there.

“We really welcome this review. Not only does society’s attitudes towards death and dying need to change, but there also needs to be far-reaching changes within the health and social care system to support greater choice and control for people who are terminally ill and their families. Currently only 2% of NHS trusts offer face to face 24/7 care for terminally ill people and their families which means all too many people are without support out of office hours and have to go to A&E to get help.

“This situation is unacceptable and we look forward to working with the Choice Offer Review team to find better ways of providing much needed care and support to terminally ill people and their families”.

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