National Publications:
Final report into end-of-life care
An independent review is calling for a set of universal standards for care of the dying after uncovering "stunning inequities" in provision in England.
The Palliative Care Funding Review, ordered by Andrew Lansley, the Health Secretary, last summer, says the current system is confusing and inconsistent, and proposes a "fair and transparent" funding system where the money is linked to the individual patient.
Its report proposes a set of guarantees on what the state will provide, and a new payment system to help more people die at home rather than in hospital.
It estimates that thousands of people miss out on palliative care each year.
The report is available on the Palliative Care Funding Review website
Posted 1st July