Torbay MP, Adrian Sanders has welcomed a Parliamentary report recommending reform of how care is delivered for acute and terminal patients.
The report acknowledges that although the majority of people express a preference to die at home, 60% die in an acute hospital when there is in fact no clinical need for them to be there. This is in part due to a lack of specialised training in end of life care and a lack of co-ordination in services. Independent hospices also do not have long enough contracts with the NHS and this means that they are unable to plan ahead for future development and best manage their resources.
People could stay in their homes if equipment and home care support were provided in a more responsive and flexible manner. Adrian has endorsed the recommendations of the Committee and will be supporting measures to bring about improvements through Parliament.
Adrian commented: “It is so important that end of life care is of the highest possible standard and that people have the opportunity to exercise their right to die in a place of their choosing.
We are fortunate to have an excellent hospice in Torbay, but funding shortages prevent Rowcroft Hospice from being able to improve its services and achieve its expansion plans. Longer funding cycles would obviously aid hospices like Rowcroft to be able to plan for the future and continue to help local residents receive first class end of life care in a home-like environment in which family members can also share.
The Government has been dragging its feet on this issue for far too long. I am glad that it is being addressed and hopeful that resources for end of life care in Torbay can be improved.”
Adrian has also been pressuring Cabinet Office Minister Liam Byrne and the Department of Health to address the funding shortages affecting Rowcroft, to ensure a full and effective service remains.
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