04.11.13
More people choosing to die at home
New research from Public Health England shows more people are staying at home to die. In 2012, 44% of people died at home or in care homes, compared to 38% in 2008.
PHE’s National End of Life Care Intelligent Network (NEoLCIN) reported this reflected increasing public desire to die at home rather than in hospital. The report also showed large variations in the proportion of deaths in hospital and called for further prioritisation for inequalities in end of life care.
Professor Julia Verne, clinical lead at PHE’s National End of Life Care Intelligence Network said: “This is the second annual report summarising research across the country on where people die and what influences this. This year has seen another leap forward in our understanding and the statistics reflect progress by the NHS and the voluntary sector in supporting more patients to die in their place of choice. However, we cannot be complacent, the report highlights some aspects of patient experience which must improve, especially the care of the dying in hospital.”
Professor John Newton, chief knowledge officer at Public Health England said: “Three years ago we knew very little about how and where people died in England. The National End of Life Care Intelligence Network has made a huge difference and the new knowledge is being put rapidly into action to enable people to have a better death.”
Dr Peter Carter, chief executive & general secretary of the RCN said: “It is promising to see that more people are able to choose where they receive end of life care, however there is still much to be done.
“Good end of life care is all about patient choice, and making sure patients are informed of all of the options available to them. This is where nursing staff can play such an important role in having these sensitive discussions with patients and their families.
“Care homes must ensure that all of their staff, including nurses and health care support workers, are well trained in this vital aspect of end of life care. At such a distressing time it is more important than ever that patients and their relatives feel comfortable that they can make informed decisions about the care they receive.”
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