Petition calls on new end of life plan from Welsh Government
Press release published
End of life charity Marie Curie is urging the Welsh Government not to let 'time run out' for dying people across Wales – as it launches a petition calling for a new plan for palliative and end of life care.
The current End of Life Care Delivery Plan comes to an end on March 31*, but despite a commitment from Welsh Government to prioritise care for the dying, Wales is now set to be without a plan for those people for the first time in a decade, as a replacement is yet to be published.
Marie Curie and the Motor Neurone Disease (MND) Association have now launched a petition calling for a new strategic plan to be published urgently –and says it must include details of a timeline and how it will be sustainably funded and resourced.
Marie Curie Policy and Public Affairs Manager for Wales, Bethan Edwards, said: "Every year, thousands of people die in Wales having missed out on palliative and end of life care.
"The end of life care plan for Wales was working towards fixing this, but in March it'll come to an end. Right now, there's no new plan ready to take its place.
"We urgently need a timeline, funding and staff to deliver a new plan. Over the last decade, huge efforts have been made by the End of Life Care Board and palliative and end of life care colleagues across Wales to ensure more people than ever can have a good death in Wales. This includes the development of two Palliative and End of Life Care Delivery Plans.
"We were delighted to see the Welsh Government announcement of an End of Life Care Programme, but there has since been limited resources dedicated to its development. With the end of March approaching and no End of Life Care Programme in sight, Wales looks to be without an End of Life Care Plan for the first time in a decade.
"Don't let the plan run out with no replacement. Please sign today and help us make sure families in Wales aren't left in the lurch."
Motor Neurone Disease Association Policy and Public Affairs Manager, Sian Guest, said: "Motor neurone disease (MND) is a fatal, rapidly progressing disease which has no cure. Palliative and end of life care is vital for people with MND in Wales. At the moment the End of Life Care Plan for Wales ensures people with MND don't miss out on this vital support. But, this month it is due to come to an end. We are joining forces with Marie Curie Cymru to call on the Welsh Government to make sure the End of Life Care Plan doesn't run out for people with MND in Wales."
Research shows that due to an ageing population and a rise in people living with multiple and complex conditions, that deaths are on the increase across the UK. By 2040**, the demand for palliative care is estimated to increase by 42 per cent in Wales and England.
You can sign the petition here: https://petitions.senedd.wales/petitions/245102
Notes to editor
Notes to Editor
* Record of minister confirming timetable available here: https://record.senedd.wales/WrittenQuestion/82035
**Etkind, S., Bone, A. et al., 2017. 'How many people will need palliative care in 2040? Past trends, future projections and implications for services', BMC Medicine, 15 (102).
For further information please contact Rachel Moses-Lloyd, Senior Media and PR Officer – Wales, Rachel.moses-lloyd@mariecurie.org.uk 07730 617843/ Marie Curie Press Office: media@mariecurie.org.uk / 0845 073 8699.
About Marie Curie
Marie Curie is the UK's leading end of life charity. The charity provides essential frontline nursing and hospice care for people with any terminal illness, a free support line and a wealth of information and support on all aspects of dying, death and bereavement. It is the largest charity funder of palliative and end of life care research in the UK. Marie Curie is committed to sharing its expertise to improve quality of care and ensuring that everyone has a good end of life experience. Marie Curie is calling for recognition and sustainable funding of end of life care and bereavement support.
Marie Curie's annual flagship fundraising appeal, the Great Daffodil Appeal is taking place throughout March. The money raised helps to support the charity's nurses, doctors, and hospice staff so they can continue working on the frontline giving expert care to people at the end of life, and their families. For more information on how to fundraise or donate, visit: mariecurie.org.uk/daffodil
The National Day of Reflection on 23 March 2022 is a day to connect, supporting the millions of people bereaved during the pandemic and remembering the people we've lost. Join the minute's silence at midday and find out more ways you can get involved at mariecurie.org.uk/dayofreflection
Please note we are 'Marie Curie' (not 'Marie Curie Cancer Care')
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About the MND Association
The MND Association was founded in 1979 by a group of volunteers with experience of living with or caring for someone with MND. We are the only national charity in England, Wales and Northern Ireland focused on MND care, research and campaigning.
Please note that style wise motor neurone disease is lower case and then abbreviated to MND. The Motor Neurone Disease Association can be shortened to the MND Association, or the Association but never the MNDA.
About motor neurone disease (MND):
• MND is a fatal, rapidly progressing disease that affects the brain and spinal cord.
• It attacks the nerves that control movement so muscles no longer work. MND does not usually affect the senses such as sight, sound, feeling etc.
• It kills a third of people within a year and more than half within two years of diagnosis.
• A person's lifetime risk of developing MND is around 1 in 300.
• Six people per day are diagnosed with MND in the UK.
• It affects up to 5,000 adults in the UK at any one time.
• It kills six people per day in the UK, this is just under 2,200 per year
• It has no cure.
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