Improving the quality of end of life care through better planning, support
Writing in the National Health Executive, Judith Richardson, Acting Director for Health and Social Care, NICE highlights there is still room for improvement in end of life care.
Around half a million people die in England each year. With an ageing population, the annual number of deaths is projected to increase. In addition, the Covid-19 pandemic has led to an increase in the excess death rate. It is important that we identify effective, supportive, and palliative care needs throughout the last phase of life to ensure that people live well until they die and to offer support to those close to the dying person.