New review launched into end-of-life care

The next phase of the government's plans to improve end-of-life care has been announced with the launch of a new review into how best to organise these services.

To be undertaken by an independently-led programme board chaired by Claire Henry, chief executive of the National Council for Palliative Care, the review will aim to increase the range of choices available to patients, carers and family members.

Attention will be paid to what people want, the support they need and the services required to make choice a reality, with charity, health and social care, policymaking, carer and personal perspectives to all be considered.

The board will present its findings and advice to the government in February 2015.

Ms Henry said it is essential that any guidance her organisation provides to the government "enables choice to be expanded and improves the quality and experience of care for adults at the end of life, their carers and those who are important to them".

This follows the unveiling of a series of new Priorities for Care last month that aim to enshrine the needs and wishes of dying people and those closest to them as the most important factors in end-of-life care provision.