15.01.13
Liverpool Care Pathway review chair appointed
Baroness Julia Neuberger is to chair the review looking into how the Liverpool Care Pathway is being used in practice, care minister Norman Lamb (pictured) has announced.
The crossbench peer will examine the experience and opinions of patients, families and health professionals, as well as considering hospital complaints, local payments made to hospitals in respect of the pathway and the literature about the benefits and limitations of the pathway.
Baroness Neuberger is Senior Rabbi at the West London Synagogue and was the former chief executive of The King’s Fund.
The Liverpool Care Pathway (LCP) is aimed at improving patients’ last days of life by reducing medical intervention. A review into the LCP was launched in November, following media criticism that doctors had not been consulting patients adequately and were abusing the pathway. There were even concerns that hospitals had been seeking to gain financially from the incentive targets associated with the LCP, though this was roundly denied by health professionals.
Lamb said: “Experts agree the Liverpool Care Pathway, if applied properly, can play a vital role in achieving this aim, but, as we have seen, there have been too many cases where patients or their families were ignored or not properly involved in decisions. This is simply unacceptable.
“I have also been extremely concerned about what loved ones have said regarding the withdrawal of food and fluids. It is so important for relatives to have complete confidence in the care that a loved one is receiving.
“I am delighted that Baroness Neuberger has agreed to chair the Review. End of life is a culturally, medically and spiritually sensitive area and her unique knowledge and experience make her the ideal person to lead this work.”
Baroness Neuberger said: “How we care for people at the end of their lives is a reflection of our society’s values and civilisation. At its best, Britain leads the world in end-of-life care, but it is not always perfect, and we need to work hard to get it right for everyone, providing the personal care individuals and their families both want and need.”
Dr Peter Carter, chief executive & general secretary of the RCN said: “Baroness Julia Nueberger is a welcome appointment as Independent Chair who will bring a wealth of experience – gained from many areas of care – to the role. We feel that under her guidance, this inquiry is well placed to make important and impartial recommendations.”
The review will hold evidence sessions and is due to make recommendations regarding the LCP in the summer.
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(Image of Norman Lamb copyright bisgovuk)