Darzi Report Response
Comment published
Matthew Reed, Chief Executive at the end of life charity Marie Curie said:
"Dying people are being let down and forgotten - forced into a health service that is ill-equipped to support them at the end of life. Currently around one third of patients in hospital are at the end of life – many of whom die alone. This is not dying with the dignity, compassion and respect that is important at the end of life.
"Marie Curie's Better End of Life report found that a more coordinated, community-based approach to palliative care can play a key role in transforming people's end of life experience, helping to reduce pressures on the wider healthcare system and freeing-up ambulances, A&Es, and hospital beds for those who need them.
"We urge the government in their 10 year NHS plan to prioritise implementation of more joined-up community palliative care to meet the needs of the dying - regardless of time of day, illness and where they live – taking pressure off a system already at breaking point."