Dignity in Dying makes recommendations to the Government’s End of Life Care Strategy Quality Markers consultation

The Government’s first ever End of Life Care Strategy has affirmed the importance of increased choice for people at the end of their lives. As part of the strategy the Government is consulting on quality markers. Quality markers are a guide for health care providers (commissioners) to what is needed for high quality end-of-life care to be delivered. Dignity in Dying welcomes the opportunity to submit to the consultation as we believe that the development of quality markers will help ensure the provision of high quality end-of-life care in all settings.

Davina Hehir, Head of Legal Strategy and Policy at Dignity in Dying says:

“Dignity in Dying recognises that the development of quality markers represents a significant step forward in the implementation of the End of Life Care Strategy, and hope that long-term change is realised by country-wide implementation of the Strategy. However, we are worried that without solid provisions and incentives to ensure that all PCTs take the quality markers seriously, an opportunity will be missed to ensure real progress in end-of-life care.”

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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 100,000 supporters and receives its funding entirely from donations from the public.
– Opinion polls consistently show that at least 80% of the UK population supports a change in the law on assisted dying.

Media Contacts:

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