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Scottish Government update on LCP (and SPPC statement)

The Scottish Government has published an update on the Liverpool Care Pathway. The update can be accessed here: Update - Liverpool Care Pathway for the Dying Patient

STATEMENT BY SPPC

SPPC welcomes the publication by the Scottish Government of interim guidance for health and social care staff on caring for people in the last days and hours of life.

Chief Executive Mark Hazelwood said

"Around 40 000 people with palliative care needs die each year in Scotland and around a third of hospital beds are used by people in the last year of their life. Getting care right every time for these people and their families is a major challenge for our health and social care system.

Written guidance can help staff to provide good care. But even more important is that staff get adequate education and training and are able to work in an environment which supports them to use their skills, knowledge and compassion.

There also need to be systems which give patients and families the chance to give feedback – so that care can continue to be improved.

New guidance is to be developed during 2014 and it is essential that this is done in a way which involves the Scottish public and is fully open and transparent.

We look forward to working with government and other stakeholders to further improve care."