Dying in corridors: UK nurses reveal end-of-life care crisis

Nurses in the UK are reporting harrowing experiences, with over half having cared for dying patients in corridors or temporary spaces. This situation is exacerbated by significant staffing shortages and time pressures, which nurses identify as major barriers to providing adequate end-of-life care.

Stories have emerged of patients dying in undignified circumstances, such as on bathroom floors. A lack of integrated care planning, with different electronic systems used by various providers, also complicates verification of patient wishes. This highlights a system under strain, where access to 24/7 support is limited, often leading to emergency departments becoming a last resort.

Marie Curie is piloting new approaches with the NHS to identify end-of-life patients earlier and implement Advance Care Plans. The UK Government is expected to release a plan this autumn to overhaul palliative and end-of-life care in England. Advocates are calling for this to be a fully funded initiative, including a 24/7 palliative care helpline, to ensure appropriate support and reduce reliance on A&E.

Ensuring terminally ill individuals die with dignity, free from inappropriate interventions and with their wishes respected, is paramount. This requires a fundamental change in how end-of-life care is resourced and delivered across the country.