Response to study of palliative care in Scotland
Comment published
In response to the publication of "The level of provision of specialist palliative care services in Scotland: an international benchmarking study" in BMJ Supportive and Palliative Care, Richard Meade, Marie Curie Head of Policy and Public Affairs Scotland, said:
This important new study highlights that we need to do more to reach terminally ill people in their communities. Supporting people and developing resources in the community not only allows them to be cared for at home, where they would most like to be, but can also help reduce admissions and stays in hospital. We know that around a quarter of those who need palliative care in Scotland do not get it. The Scottish Government has committed to doubling palliative care services in the community and we look forward to seeing this progress.
Notes to editor
About Marie Curie
Please note – we are now called ‘Marie Curie’ (not Marie Curie Cancer Care)
Marie Curie – care and support through terminal illness
Marie Curie is the UK’s leading charity for people with any terminal illness. The charity helps people living with a terminal illness and their families make the most of the time they have together by delivering expert hands-on care, emotional support, research and guidance.
Marie Curie employs more than 2,700 nurses, doctors and other healthcare professionals, and with its nine hospices around the UK, is the largest provider of hospice beds outside the NHS.