Dignity in Dying expresses continuing concern over the impact of deprivation, illness and postcode on end of life

The National End of Life Care Intelligence Network has published a report about the factors which influence a person’s place of death. Previous research has shown that most people would choose to die at home. This report found that the wealthy and those suffering from cancer are the most likely to be facilitated to die at home, whereas those from deprived backgrounds, and those with respiratory conditions are most likely to die in hospital.

Sarah Wootton, Chief Executive of Dignity in Dying said:

“Notable improvements have been made in recent years in end-of-life care provision, but this report shows that we still have a long way to go. I hope that important initiatives such as the End of Life Care Strategy and the new GMC guidance on end-of-life decision making will enable greater choice at the end of life and increase access to good quality end-of-life care and treatment.

“It is important to note that not everyone wants to die at home and it is not always possible for patients to have what they consider to be a good death outside of a hospice or hospital setting. It is crucial, however, that patients are involved in decisions about their end-of-life care where possible, and that patients are empowered to make an Advance Decision to refuse treatment, an End of Life care plan, or a Lasting Power of Attorney, in order to make their wishes known.

“Ultimately, we need to reach a situation in end-of-life care where regardless of wealth, illness and postcode, we all have the best care possible, centered around patient choice.?

Notes to editor:

About Dignity in Dying:

? Dignity in Dying campaigns for greater choice, control and access to services at the end of life. It advocates providing terminally ill adults with the option of an assisted death, within strict legal safeguards, and for universal access to high quality end-of-life care.

? Dignity in Dying has over 25,000 supporters and receives its funding entirely from donations from the public.

? The British Social Attitudes Survey 2010 found that 92% of non-religious and 71% of religious people support assisted dying. This relates to overall support of 82%.

Media contacts:

For all media enquiries, please contact Jo Cartwright on 020 7479 7737 / 07725433025 or at jo.cartwright@dignityindying.org.uk.