The Royal College of Physicians has released a report warning that access to palliative care is “poor” and that there are unacceptable variations in quality – geographically and across different demographic groups. The report claims there is a particular disparity between patients with cancer and those suffering from non-malignant conditions. The College also called for an increase in NHS funding of palliative care – the NHS currently provides about 30% of funding while the rest is supported by charities and the voluntary sector.
“Where you live should not determine the level of care you receive at the end of your life. We know that 57% of people want to die at home but only 20% do. We know that 54% of all complaints about the NHS are about end-of-life care. Today’s report from the Royal College must be another wake up call to the Department of Health that more needs to be done.”
