Marie Curie response to research on deaths from cardiovascular diseases

Marie Curie Cancer Care welcomes the findings of the National End of Life Care Intelligence Network. We have seen through our work with people who are terminally ill, that those who do not have a cancer diagnosis have more difficulties accessing end of life care services.

Recent research conducted by Professor Frances Mair at the University of Glasgow, on behalf of Caring Together, a partnership between Marie Curie, British Heart Foundation Scotland and NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, showed the common barriers that advanced heart failure patients face at end of life.

The research highlighted a need for better access to financial support, social services and home aids and adaptations. More critically, it highlights the need for clear emergency care plans and access to appropriate out of hours services to provide the right support and help avoid unnecessary hospital admissions.

All terminally ill patients should have equal access to good end of life care, regardless of diagnosis and where they live. It is only with equal access to services that people are able to die in their place of choice.

Our challenge at Marie Curie is to continue to keep this on the agenda and to deliver and help design services which meet the needs of everybody at the end of life.

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