Call to end 'distressing deaths'

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Too many terminally ill people are suffering "needlessly uncomfortable and distressing" deaths, a report from the national hospice charity claims.

The Help the Hospices study said services for the dying and support for their families were "inadequate".

Problems identified by the report include insufficient funding and failings in care staff training.

It hopes its recommendations will be included in the government's End of Life Care Strategy for England.

David Praill, chief executive of Help the Hospices, says: "Relief from pain and symptoms, dignity, care and emotional and practical support as we approach the end of life should be basic rights.

"Too many people are being denied these things and we are delighted that the government is addressing this."

'Ineffectual wish'

The charity hopes the strategy will set out how and when the government will deliver on its commitment to double investment in palliative care services.

Among its various recommendations, the report calls for earlier access to palliative care for people with life threatening conditions and greater choice for people about where to die, whether home, hospital or hospice.

Two thirds of the hospices in England are run by the voluntary sector, providing valuable palliative and day care support to the NHS.

The government is committed to improving care and people's choices at the end of life Department of Health spokeswoman

In England, government funding now stands at 32% of the £450m running costs of charitable adult hospices, having fallen from 34% in 2004 and 33% in 2005.

The report warns the future of hospices will be under threat unless the government ensures a fairer funding system that removes the current need for hospices to use public donations to subsidise NHS care.

Mr Praill added: "The End of Life Care Strategy will be an ineffectual wish if the issues we have raised are not addressed through its implementation."

A Department of Health spokeswoman thanked Help the Hospices for their report and help in developing the End of Life Care Strategy.

"The government is committed to improving care and people's choices at the end of life, regardless of their condition or their location," she said.

"The strategy will deliver increased choice to all adult patients, regardless of their condition, about where they live and die."

A report on the strategy is expected to be delivered to ministers in the autumn.