Compassion in Dying welcomes focus on patient choice in response to LCP review
“While this response is helpful, the key to success will be in the implementation and making sure that the necessary training is in place so that the guidance is followed and every dying patient receives the high standard of care and choice outlined in the report.”
The Leadership Alliance for the Care of Dying People (LACDP) has today published its system-wide response to the independent Neuberger review of the Liverpool Care Pathway (LCP). The response focusses on honest communication between dying patients which allows for joint decision-making between patients and their treating healthcare professionals.
Compassion in Dying commends the emphasis that the LACDP places on engaging Lasting Powers of Attorney (LPAs), and respecting Advance Decisions to Refuse Treatment (ADRTs).
Sarah Wootton, Chief Executive of Dignity in Dying and Compassion in Dying, said:
“When it comes to it, many people will die without capacity or the ability to make decisions for themselves at the end of life, and Lasting Powers of Attorney and Advance Decisions to Refuse Treatment are critical tools in ensuring that individual’s wishes are known and respected in those instances.
“Research shows that most people want only comfort care at the end of life, and ensuring that these tools are respected will mean that people who have made these decisions in advance will have those wishes respected.
“The LACDP response encourages ongoing discussion about end-of-life decisions throughout the course of a patient’s treatment. Discussions around end-of-life decision-making should not be left until the last days, and we commend the focus on these on-going discussions.
“While this response is helpful, the key to success will be in the implementation and making sure that the necessary training is in place so that the guidance is followed and every dying patient receives the high standard of care and choice outlined in the report.”
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For all media enquires please contact Compassion in Dying Press Manager Jo Cartwright on 02074797737 or jo.cartwright@compassionindying.org.uk
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 legal 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 is the sister organisation of Dignity in Dying and was set up to help people exercise their rights and choices under the current law.
For more information on Compassion in Dying visit www.compassionindying.org.uk
Dignity in Dying
Dignity in Dying campaigns for greater choice, control and access to services at the end of life including the option of assisted dying for terminally ill, mentally competent adults within strict legal safeguards. Dignity in Dying has over 25,000 supporters and receives its funding entirely from donations from the public.
For more information on Dignity in Dying visit www.dignityindying.org.uk
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.
Advance Decisions
An Advance Decision is a document that allows individuals to set out their wishes and preferences for medical treatment in advance, in the event that they become unable to communicate with their health team (for example, if they fall into a coma or develop dementia). Advance Decisions were given statutory force under the Mental Capacity Act, 2005 (in October 2007) meaning the refusal of treatment is legally binding. The Compassion in Dying Advance Decision is fully compliant with the Mental Capacity Act.
Free Advance Decisions are available by calling the Information Line or to download from www.compassionindying.org.uk.
Lasting Powers of Attorney
A Health and Welfare Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) is a legal document that gives one of more trusted persons the legal power to make decisions about your health and welfare if you lose the capacity to do so yourself. An LPA cannot be used until is it registered with the Office of the Public Guardian. LPAs can make decisions for you when you lack the mental capacity to do so yourself, including the withdrawal of life-prolonging treatment.