HEALTH bosses in the region are holding a joint conference with Marie Curie Cancer Care to ensure patients with a terminal illness receive high quality care.
HEALTH bosses in the region are holding a joint conference with Marie Curie Cancer Care to ensure patients with a terminal illness receive high quality care.
On Monday, October 19 the Marie Curie Delivering Choice Programme will be launched which aims to make sure patients who are terminally ill can die in the place of their choice.
Research in recent years shows that most people (65pc) would choose to die in the comfort and familiarity of their own home if they are terminally ill.
The conference, which is taking place at Ickworth House in Bury St Edmunds, will not only launch the Marie Curie Delivering Choice Programme, but will also showcase examples of innovative practice in end of life care provision from the east of England.
Key speakers include Ruth May, chief nurse for NHS East of England and Pam Fenner, strategic lead for End of Life, NHS East of England.
Pam Fenner, strategic lead for palliative and end of life care at NHS East of England, said: “I am delighted that this programme is being launched in our region as it is a huge step towards making a significant change to improving end of life care to patients.
“Research has shown that the majority of patients with a terminal illness wish to die peacefully at home, but currently only a small percentage can fulfil that wish.
“This programme will ensure that more people are given that choice, and that they and their families or carers are offered emotional and practical support.”
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