RCN comments on Nuffield Trust survey on end of life care

Published: 14 November 2012

The RCN today (November 14) responded to the Nuffield Trust study which showed home nursing improved end of life care, and reduced the likelihood of emergency admissions to hospital.

Dr Peter Carter, Chief Executive and General Secretary of the RCN said:

“This report shows the importance of specially trained nurses offering end of life care in the home. Patients should not have to die in hospital if they don’t want to, simply because specialist support is not available at all hours in their area.

The report clearly shows that specialist nurses support patient choice, reduce unwanted hospital admission and also appear to realise significant savings

Nurses see too many instances of patients at the end of their life having to come into hospital, often at night and against their best wishes. This obviously causes distress to individuals and families. The NHS needs to sustain investment in this specialist, out of hours care, so that wherever and whenever a person dies, they can be given excellent pain-relief, dignity and care.”