Compassion in Dying comments on LCP review recommendations
Compassion in Dying comments on LCP review recommendations
“The answer is always informed choice, and the recommendation to implement individual end of life care plans will help to support this.”
Following an independent review into the Liverpool Care Pathway (LCP), facilitated by the Department of Health, a number of recommendations have been made, including the phasing out of the LCP in favour of individual end of life care plans.
Compassion in Dying welcomes the review’s recommendations, and will be delighted if the result of this review is that all dying patients will have an individualised care plan; better communication between healthcare professionals, patients and families at the end of life and that all patients will be treated with dignity, respect and compassion. The report recommends enhanced training and guidance for doctors, nurses and healthcare assistants on care of the dying and communication around end-of-life issues. This is long overdue and to be welcomed.
Danielle Hamm, Director of Compassion in Dying said:
“Against the backdrop of some examples of appalling care, it is important to remember that for many, and thanks to the hard work of healthcare professionals, Britain has led efforts to improve care for the dying. Nevertheless it is clear that there is some way to go to ensure that patient centred end-of-life care is fully integrated across all care settings.
“There is no one size fits all approach to the end of life, as evidenced by the focus on individualised care plans in the review’s report. Going forward we hope that these plans will record whether a patient has made their medical treatment preferences for end of life care known through an Advance Decision, or by appointing a Lasting Power of Attorney to make health decisions for them.
“Through the calls we receive on our Information Line, we know that those preparing for the end of life have different views, values and expectations of end-of-life care. The majority simply want to be kept comfortable and pain free, and would not welcome efforts to artificially prolong their lives. Equally there are those who wish to be kept alive along is reasonably possible. Into this mix come family members and loved ones who bring their own perspectives. The answer is always informed choice, and the recommendation to implement individual end of life care plans will help to support this.”
ENDS
Note to Editors:
For more information please contact Michael Charouneau, Press Support Officer on 020 7479 7732/07725433025 or Michael.Charouneau@compassionindying.org.uk
Further information:
The End-of-Life Rights Information Line
The End-of-Life Rights Information Line is available on freephone 0800 999 2434, or by emailing info@compassionindying.org.uk or writing to Information Line, Compassion in Dying, 181 Oxford Street, London W1D 2JT. The phone-line is open between 11am and 3pm Monday to Friday.
Compassion in Dying
Compassion in Dying is a national charity (no. 1120203) that aims to support people at the end of life to have what they consider to be a good death by providing information and support around their rights and choices. We are a leading provider of free Advance Decisions in the UK and we also conduct and review research around patient rights and choices in end-of-life care.
Compassion in Dying was set up in 2007 by the campaigning organisation Dignity in Dying to take on the charitable aspects of its activities. The two organisations now work in partnership.
While Compassion in Dying aims to increase people’s understanding of and empowerment around existing end-of-life rights through information, research and education, Dignity in Dying campaigns to extend and defend individuals’ rights at the end of life.
For more information on Compassion in Dying visit www.compassionindying.org.uk