After analysis showed the amount of patients receiving home care from community health nursing services in England had not changed in 10 years despite rising referrals, Dr Sarah Holmes – chief medical officer at Marie Curie – says action is needed.
She said: “This is yet more evidence of a system failing dying people. Almost one in three people miss out on the care they need at the end of life, while community services are being asked to do more with too little.
“The UK Government’s long-promised plan for end-of-life care is an early test of the Prime Minister’s commitment to reform palliative care.
“It must deliver 24/7 access to care, medicines and support in the community — backed by a transformation fund to rebalance care away from crisis and into people’s homes.
“Warm words won’t be enough. Dying people and their families need action — and a system that is funded to care for them before crisis hits.”
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