NHS end of life care good but choice lacking

The quality of NHS end of life care is good, but choice is still lacking, a survey of bereaved people reports.

Around 22,000 people responded to the first ever survey that measured care leading up to death – published by the Office for National Statistics.

There were high levels of satisfaction with hospices, but hospitals, where most died, had the lowest ratings for care with dignity and respect.

The majority of people would have preferred loved ones to die at home.

The survey, commissioned by the Department of Health, reported that three quarters of people in England thought the care given in the last three months of life was good, excellent or outstanding.

Co-ordination needed

Care Services Minister, Paul Burstow said: “All people, regardless of their age or condition, should get the best quality care at the end of life.

“The results of this survey will be carefully studied by NHS and social care professionals. It reveals a wide variation in the quality of care across the country.

“There is more to be done to improve both the way care is co-ordinated for people in their own homes and the quality of care in hospital.”

Professor Sir Mike Richards, National Clinical Director for End of Life Care said the survey was a “key step” in addressing the lack of data on end of life care services.

“For the first time, it provides us with information about people’s quality of care across all care settings, and enables us to see how this varies across the country.”

The survey contained 59 questions, addressing a broad range of issues including co-ordination of care, patients’ involvement in decisions and support for carers.

Surveys were sent to 48,766 people who had bereavement between November 2010 and June 2011. Forty-six per cent of surveys were returned completed.