RCN responds to End of Life care strategy report

Published: 26 August 2010

For immediate release: Wednesday 25th August 2010

The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) today called for sustained investment to make
24-hour district nursing a reality in all areas, as they responded to the Second Annual Report on the End of Life Care Strategy.

Dr Peter Carter, RCN Chief Executive & General Secretary, said:
“Progress is clearly being made towards ensuring that no matter where or when a person dies, they are afforded the same exemplary standards provided by hospices. This aim will only be achieved when round-the-clock District Nursing teams are available everywhere.

“District Nurses provide expert symptom control, care and dignity for patients at the end of their lives. With this support, patients are often able to die at home in the way they choose, which in turn helps loved ones through their bereavement. All too often, they are admitted to hospital during the night simply due to the unavailability of district nursing services. This adds not only to the patient’s distress in their last hours but to the suffering of the bereaved.”
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Notes for Editors

1. For further information, interviews or illustrations please contact the RCN Media Office on 0207 647 3633, press.office@rcn.org.uk or visit http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/media

2. The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) is the voice of nursing across the UK and is the largest professional union of nursing staff in the world. The RCN promotes the interest of nurses and patients on a wide range of issues and helps shape healthcare policy by working closely with the UK Government and other national and international institutions, trade unions, professional bodies and voluntary organisations.