Palliative and End of Life Care

Many people are not keen to think about the end of their lives, but it is as important to get this part of our lives right as any other.

 Each year in England and Wales 500, 000 people will die; some will die suddenly and unexpectedly, or in accidents, but most will die after a period of illness from a long term condition (LTC).  This means roughly 3000-4000 deaths per year in Calderdale and Kirklees.

 The most common illnesses people die from are:

Heart disease and stroke

Dementia

Respiratory (breathing) conditions

Liver disease and kidney disease

Cancer

 Over 50% of all deaths occur in hospital, but almost half of all people who die in hospital could have their care delivered elsewhere (home, care home, and hospice).

 Although 80% of people express a wish to die in their own home, only 15-20% do this.

 50% of people haven’t made a will.

 Only 6% of people record what’s important for them at the end of their lives; of those that do, over 80% achieve these preferences.

 How to make it different?

 Talk to your family about what’s important to you when you die.

 Talk with your doctors and nurses to find out what help might be available for you in the last year of your life.

 Remember, talking about it won’t make it happen any sooner, but will keep you in control

Feedback received in 2015:

"The doctors I saw were great. When I was sat at the bedside one day crying they even comforted me. They explained to me what would happen next. They did everything they could have done, they kept us updated with everything. The end of  life care provided by the doctors and nursing staff cannot be faulted. Everyone had any dealings with the care of my father during his last days were all compassionate and extremely helpful towards me at a difficult time. As a team and Trust you should be very proud of your commited, caring and compassionate staff. My husband died recently at a top London teaching Hospital and his care was shameful. Be very proud of the whole team, thanks you."