‘Choice at the end of life’ is an illusion - CiD responds to End of Life Audit
Usha Grieve, Director of Partnerships & Information
| Compassion in Dying
Responding to today’s publication of the End of Life Audit Usha Grieve, Director of Partnerships & Information, from Compassion in Dying said it is "beyond doubt that NHS England must do more" to transform end of life care.
It is extremely concerning that whilst some progress has been made the experience of many dying people remains so poor. Most worrying is that in many cases ‘choice at the end of life’ is an illusion.
As this report details far too many dying people, and their loved ones, are not spoken to honestly and clearly about the fact that they are dying. We talk about giving every dying person choices about how and when they can die, but in depriving them of that crucial information about their death they are being denied any truly meaningful choices over the end of their lives. It is no surprise therefore how few dying people appear to have had their concerns listened to.
It is also clear that when people have made plans and decisions about their treatment and care in advance it can make a real difference to them getting the care that is right for them. Sadly only 4% of people had made such plans prior to admission. It is now beyond doubt that NHS England must do more to support people to make plans for the end of their lives before they become seriously ill as this would help transform end of life care.
