New Guidelines For End-Of-Life Care

Draft guidelines have been issued by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) concerning the end of life care

This new guidance comes after the ending of what became known as “The Liverpool Care Pathway” which advocated the removal of treatment including food and water from some sedated patients in their final days/hours.

People in their last days should be encouraged to drink

The turn-around in care at such a sensitive and crucial time recommends that such people should be urged to drink if they so desire. Not only that, chance of recovery should be recognised not ignored. Patients should not just be just left to die.

Added to this is the recommendation that any “end of life” judgements should be taken by several health experts rather than just one doctor.

Chief executive of Nice, Sir Andrew Dillon, said:

“Earlier this year, the parliamentary and health service ombudsman said that end of life care could be improved for up to 335,000 people every year in England. The guidelines we are developing will ensure that people who are nearing the end of their lives are treated with respect and receive excellent care.”

Read more about these end of life judgments on the Guardian website.