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End-of-Life Care in England Fails Patients
28 Nov
Summary
- Palliative care services in England are not meeting patient needs.
- Insufficient funds are a primary reason for service shortcomings.
- Bereavement support is valuable but frequently inaccessible.
Palliative care services across England are struggling to meet demand, according to a recent parliamentary report. The findings indicate that insufficient funds are a major contributor to these shortcomings, impacting end-of-life and life-limiting condition care. Consequently, bereavement support for grieving loved ones is often difficult to access despite its recognized value.
The report paints a grim picture of services under significant strain, with health and care provisions ill-equipped to handle end-of-life needs. Challenges include inadequate education and training for the specialist palliative care workforce, and critical shortages, particularly in children's services. A 'postcode lottery' in service provision exists due to variable local health body priorities.
This situation leaves many patients and their families unable to effectively plan for the future. While some areas offer good care, the overall provision is patchy, with a notable gap between the ambition for services and their actual delivery. This systemic issue means many individuals do not receive the comprehensive support they require during their final days.
