England’s sickest children and their families will have more choice about the way they receive their care, following the launch of a new guide from the Department of Health. The guide will show local health chiefs how to give more choice to the children who need it most, with a range of palliative care options that includes the right to be treated at home.
Nurse-led services in the community will mean services will come to children, saving them from having to travel to hospital every time they need care. The guide will help those working with children who need palliative services to devise care that moves seamlessly across health, social care and education. This will mean they are cared for in an environment where they feel comfortable.
Care Services Minister Liam Byrne said: “Very ill children who need palliative care deserve much more choice about the way they receive that care. Many families tell us they want more care at home, so we’re asking the NHS to change. If a child wants to stay at home, they should be allowed to do so. It is the very least they deserve. Our manifesto commitment to end of life care makes this clear.”
