Compassion in Dying statement on the Universal Principles for Advance Care Planning

“Compassion in Dying is pleased to have contributed our expertise to the development of the Universal Principles for Advance Care Planning, published today by NHS England along with 28 partner organisations. They rightly state that advance care planning must always be person-centred, collaborative, timely and practical, and that plans must be easily shared and reviewed.

“Having supported more than 71,000 people to plan ahead for their future care and treatment, particularly over the last two years of unprecedented demand, we know the huge value of advance care planning when done well. It can bring people peace of mind and reassurance in the present, improve communication between individuals, their families and healthcare teams, and means that the care and treatment people receive in future is more likely to be aligned with what matters most to them. We also recognise the significant distress and mistrust that can be caused when the process is not person-centred or communicated appropriately.

“Compassion in Dying will continue to champion these Principles, challenge poor practice and work with partners across health, social care and voluntary sectors to help people plan ahead for the end-of-life in a personalised, compassionate way.”

The Universal Principles for Advance Care Planning document is available on the NHS England website.

Read Compassion in Dying Chief Executive Sarah Wootton’s blog about the Universal Principles for Advance Care Planning and the direction of travel they signpost.