AN 18-month research project, including a survey of 1,200 people, has resulted in the Department of Health’s first End of Life Care Framework, which identifies improvements that can be made in the support offered to people facing death.
Carrying out the research was project facilitator Kirstie Turner – who has 10 years of hospice experience – whose role was funded by cancer care charity Macmillan.
Minister for Health David Anderson MHK said: ‘Government understands the importance of care at the end of life, as this often has profound effect on those left behind.’
He added: ‘We felt we had fallen behind, and we want to make sure we are at least on a par with UK standards. What we have in place already is good, but we don’t just want to get it right for 90 per cent of people, we want to get it right for 100 per cent.’
The research revealed that the largest proportion of those surveyed – 43 per cent – would prefer to die at home, though 53 per cent of people have not discussed their end of life wishes with anyone, the most common reason being death seems ‘a long way off’.
Only 59 per cent had made a will. Even fewer had made arrangements for organ donation, funeral wishes or powers of attorney.
Kirstie said: ‘There were some unexpected outcomes from the survey, including that amongst the respondents, there are fewer individuals wanting to die at home than the UK. For many people the place of death is not as important as just being with loved ones and receiving good support.’
The framework is accompanied by an implementation plan for the next three years, with the aim of investing more resources in key areas such as education, training and support for carers.
It also places importance on increasing society’s recognition, understanding and acceptance of death as relevant to everyone.
Director of health care delivery Norman McGregor Edwards said: ‘Everyone is different and we have to make sure our care systems have no gaps. The plan also means we’re accountable. There will be direct progress reports on the implementation plan to the minister.’