Better Palliative Care can Help People Realize Their Last Wish

The National Audit Office (NAO) End of Life Care report has elaborated the consequences of inadequate coordination between health and social services which has resulted in as many as 50% of people not realizing their last wish - of dying in their own home.

Though 75% of people wish to pass away in their own home, more than half actually die in the hospital. This is due to the inadequate support system which makes it impossible for people to continue to stay in their own home during their last days.

If one would consider the economics of it all, just reducing emergency admissions by one-tenth and hospital stays by three days, it was possible for the government to save almost £104 million.

Tim Burr, head of the NAO, said: "Good end of life care should mean that people are treated with dignity and respect and, where possible, in their preferred place of care. Some people receive high standards of care in their final weeks, days and hours, but others do not."

The report has suggested better training for doctors, nurses and social care staff so that they are in a better position to handle and support those at the end of their life.

Source-Medindia
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