Talking about End of Life services

News - 14 November 2019

We recently had the opportunity to chat with a group of Carers about End of Life services in North Kent.
One person is holding their hand together and another person has placed their hand around them to show support.

We were warmly welcomed, and people were very willing to talk to us about the experience of their loved ones at the end of their lives.

We are very grateful for their groups willingness to talk to us about what is obviously a sensitive subject. 

We heard a range of stories including:

  • Lack of communication between professionals and services

  • Request for End of Life care to be initiated earlier

  • Examples of Carers struggling to cope with little, or no, support
  • Patients being discharged, or moved, very close to death
  • Lack of support for patients in the community forcing them to go to A&E
  • Examples of the Carers’ health deteriorating due to pressures of caring
  • Very few people had an Advanced Care Plan

Our visit is part of wider piece of work to gather feedback about End of Life services from people and professionals as well as promoting Advanced Care Planning.

Have you got a story you'd like to share

If you have a story to tell, get in touch on info@healthwatchkent.co.uk, call our freephone on 0808 801 0102 or share it through our online form. 

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