Government launch review of end of life care

A review of choice in end of life care has been launched to make sure adults at the end of life, their carers and family have more choice.

The review will be undertaken by an independently-led programme board chaired by Claire Henry, Chief Executive of the National Council for Palliative Care (NCPC) which is the umbrella charity for all those involved in palliative, end of life and hospice care in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.

The review will look at a variety of different aspects including what people want, the support they need and the services required to make choice a reality.

Leading experts in end of life care will join Claire to make up the board bringing experience from a wide range of perspectives, including: charity, health and social care, policy making, carer and personal experience of end of life care services.

The review will provide advice to government on improving the quality and experience of care for adults at the end of life, their carers and those who are important to them by expanding choice.

Claire Henry has a wealth of experience in end of life care and together with invaluable insight from patients, charities, health and social care organisations, will be able to improve end of life care.

She said: “I am delighted to have been asked to Chair a review into such an important issue. We only have one chance to get it right for people who are dying, but despite some excellent practice many people are not currently getting the care and support that is right for them.

“I look forward to working alongside such an experienced and expert programme board and with a wide range of stakeholders in the coming months – and will not waver from my commitment to ensuring that the advice we give to government enables choice to be expanded and improve the quality and experience of care for adults at the end of life, their carers and those who are important to them.”

The board will present its findings and advice to Government in February 2015.

If you would like to give your views to the review panel please email: [email protected]

For more information please visit www.ncpc.org.uk and www.dyingmatters.org