PATIENTS in Lothian who are coming to the end of their lives are to be given more choice about their end of life care.
The Living and Dying Well in Lothian strategy aims to improve the quality of end of life care offered to everyone with a life-limiting illness.
The five-year plan has been approved by NHS Lothian’s board members this week.
It aims to provide more patients with care that concentrates on relieving symptoms and giving physical, social, psychological and spiritual support.
By 2015 it is hoped that a system can be in place where clinicians work with patients, and their loved ones, to plan the most suitable approach to care for all those who are dying.
Staff, patients, families and carers took part in a consultation last year and gave feedback to help shape the proposals.
Prof Alex McMahon, acting director of Strategic Planning and Modernisation, said: “It is important that, where possible, patients coming to the end of their lives should be able to make the right choices for themselves and their families.
“Many may choose to spend their final days in their own home or community rather than in an acute hospital and we want to give our patients this choice by improving access to end of life care.“
The strategy has been developed in collaboration with the independent hospices in Lothian.
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Issued: 04.08.2010
Aileen MacArthur
Acting Communications Manager
0131 465 5646
Aileen.macarthur@nhs.net
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