1a. What are your comments on the following identified priority: Palliative and end of life care?

Recommendation: Review of palliative and end of life care throughout East Lothian including development of an end-of-life care sheet. (option 11 and 14).

Palliative care is defined by the World Health Organisation as an approach that improves the quality of life of patients (adults and children) and their families who are facing problems associated with life-limiting illness, usually progressive. It prevents and relieves suffering through the early identification, correct assessment and treatment of pain and other problems whether physical, psychosocial, or spiritual.

Palliative and end of life care affects us all at some point.  More than half a million people are expected to die each year, and many live with a life expectancy of less than a year at any one time. This is set to increase with a growing older population, so more people are expected to die at an older age.

Within East Lothian there is already a huge amount of work being carried out to support people at home, or within the local authority area.  ELHSCP’s chief nurse is leading a partnership project to improve joint working and collaboration within palliative care.  This initiative, which involves third sector support organisations, aims to shape the strategic direction and develop future services.

Many people feel uncomfortable talking about their wishes for the end of their life.  Not talking about it denies the person the opportunity to fully participate in discussions and decisions about their current and future care.

This priority indicates a request to review and enhance the options available within palliative care, so people can plan and consider their preferences for their end-of-life care and treatment. 

[Taken from POPS Public Engagement and Consultation Document]