- SPPC’s response to the Long Term Conditions Strategy Consultation
- SPPC Achievements 2024-25
- Annual Conference 2025: From System Holes to Whole System
- Call for Posters
- Assisted Dying Bill - Perspectives Informed by Palliative Care
News
Scottish Government response to 'More Care, Less Pathway'
The Scottish Government Response to the report of the independent review of the Liverpool Care Pathway (LCP), More Care, Less Pathway is available here.
The Scottish Government has also issued a clinical guidance document for doctors and nurses caring for people in the last days of life, which is available here.
PRESS RELEASE
Scottish Partnership for Palliative Care responds to the report of the independent review of the Liverpool Care Pathway (LCP), 'More Care, Less Pathway'.
The SPPC welcomes this report on the use of the LCP in England. The independent review process has provided an important opportunity for the voices of patients and families to be heard, and also an opportunity to learn from the experiences of staff who are involved in providing care for people who are dying.
The LCP was developed in the 1990s as a response to poor care of people who were dying in hospital. It is important that none of the improvements which have been achieved in recent years are lost, whilst remaining open to learning from the experiences of patients, families and those who care for them.
Mark Hazelwood, Director of the SPPC said:-
“There is a lot of very good care provided for people who are dying in Scotland, but it is vital to ensure that everyone receives such care. We therefore welcome the commitment of the Scottish Government to consider the recommendations of the report and to take forward any relevant learning for Scotland. The SPPC will lend any support it can to that process.”
He continued:-
“The LCP is designed to make sure that when someone is dying:-
- They are kept as comfortable as possible
- They and their family are kept informed and involved
- Any necessary medicines are quickly and easily available
- They don’t undergo medical procedures which maybe distressing and which aren’t going to provide any benefit.
- Their condition and individual needs are assessed/reviewed regularly.
These principles of good quality care at the end of life need to be retained. The LCP is designed to help staff deliver these things. Where these elements of good care haven’t been achieved then it is vital to understand why and then address the issues.”
ENDS
Reflections of a hospice chaplain
Rev Stuart Coates shares some reflections on his 27 years as a Hospice Chaplain in Scotland on our blog.
Living and Dying Well update
The latest update on the implementation of the Scottish Government’s action plan on palliative and end of life care Living and Dying Well is available here.
Programme Published for 2013 Annual Conference
The programme for the SPPC’s annual conference is now available. To see the great line up of topics and speakers and to book online click HERE
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