Care pathways

03.07.12

Bereavement study shows lack of dignity in hospitals

Hospitals do poorly when it comes to dignity and respect compared to hospices, a survey of bereaved people shows.

Commissioned by the Department of Health and published by the ONS, the report found three-quarters of people surveyed thought the quality of care in the last three months of life was either good, excellent or outstanding.

High levels of satisfaction were reported for those who had had a relative or friend die in a hospice, with 87% reporting dignity and respect from staff at all times, but only 48% for hospital nurses.

Care services minister, Paul Burstow said: “All people, regardless of their age or condition, should get the best quality care at the end of life.

“The results of this survey will be carefully studied by NHS and social care professionals. It reveals a wide variation in the quality of care across the country. There is more to be done to improve both the way care is co-ordinated for people in their own homes and the quality of care in hospital.”

Professor Sir Mike Richards, national clinical director for End of Life Care said: “For the first time, it provides us with information about people's quality of care across all care settings, and enables us to see how this varies across the country.”

To view the report, visit www.ons.gov.uk/ons/dcp171778_269914.pdf

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