Press Release

Age Concern and Help the Aged response to GMC advice on end of life care

26 March 2009

In response to new GMC advice which calls on doctors to place greater emphasis on the wishes of dying patients and their families, Paul Cann, Director of Policy and External Relations at Help the Aged, says:

"Any moves that make it more likely older people will die with dignity are welcome. It's imperative that when older people approach the end of their lives, they are able to die in a way that reflects their individual wishes and need for comfort, company and support.

"End of life care is one of nine measures of dignity, identified by older people as essential to delivering decent quality healthcare. In their final days, people want to be able to choose where to die and who to be with, to know that their family and loved ones will be supported and to be free from pain and discomfort. When people are dying, being part of decisions about their care can literally be their final wish."

Gordon Lishman, Director General of Age Concern, said:

"Many older people have strong views about how they want to be cared for at the end of their lives, for example they may have wishes that reflect their religious beliefs. Age Concern fully supports any moves within the NHS to ensure these views are respected and carried out to improve care at this difficult time."