This important new research is the largest nationally representative survey of people affected by dying, death and bereavement since 2015.
It provides clear evidence that too many people are unable to access the joined-up care and support they and their unpaid carers need at the end of life. Community support for palliative care is inadequate, with GP and District Nursing services stretched beyond capacity.
There are no two ways about it: care for dying people is in crisis.
Key findings from the report
Symptom management
Too many people die in pain and without the support they need for their symptoms.
1 in 3 people were severely or overwhelmingly affected by pain in their final week of life.
Gaps in care
Gaps in 24/7 community care prevent people from dying in comfort at home.
1 in 2 people visited A&E at least once in their final three months of their life.
Inadequate coordination
Patients and unpaid carers suffer when communication and coordination are poor.
1 in 2 people were unhappy with at least one aspect of care the person who died received.
Insufficient capacity
Workforce capacity is insufficient to meet demand for palliative and end of life care.
1 in 5 people who died had no contact with a GP in the last three months of life.
Unsupported carers
Unpaid carers take on significant care and coordination roles with little support.
1 in 6 bereaved people met the criteria for 'disturbed' or complicated grief.
Now is the time for change
People at the end of life should be able to have the very best possible care. We know what works in improving access to palliative and end of life care close to home and in communities.
The UK and Welsh Governments urgently need to fix end of life care. As dying, death and bereavement affect us all, it's in everyone's interest to get this right.
