Doctors will have to draw up individual ‘death plans’

Doctors and carers told the dying ‘must be given religious support’ in new NHS guidelines

By Jenny Hope

Last updated at 10:52 AM on 30th November 2011

Duty and prayer: Doctors will have to make sure patients can access religious care at any time of day or night

Doctors and care workers have been told to ensure dying patients are given religious support and care at any time of day or night.

The latest NHS guidelines also insist that their final wishes, such as being able to die at home, are carried out.

Doctors will have to draw up individual ‘death plans’ to ensure such patients end their days with dignity.

The guidelines, from the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence, aim to improve treatment following concern that the wishes of many patients are ignored.

They say dying patients should have access to religious or spiritual leaders, including NHS chaplains, and interpreters.

Health professionals must also ensure they provide 24/7 services in a ‘safe, effective and appropriate way at any time of day or night’.

This includes access to GPs, one-to-one nursing care at home overnight and psychological support. The move is intended to cut the number of terminally ill patients being taken into hospital against their will.

 

Surveys show 80 per cent of the public want to die at home, but 60 per cent end up dying in hospital. The guidance, which applies to those with 12 months to live, draws on standards already operating in the NHS.

Simon Chapman, of the National Council for Palliative Care, said: ‘We only get one chance to get it right for people at the end of their lives.’

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2067886