UK leads in end of life care

The UK ranks first in the 2015 Quality of Death Index, a measure of the quality of palliative care in 80 countries around the world.

The Quality of Death Index, commissioned by the Lien Foundation, a Singaporean philanthropic organisation was produced by The Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU).

It’s is based on extensive research and interviews with over 120 palliative care experts from across the world.

Further improvements are also necessary to cope with future demand.

EIU analysis of the need for palliative care, accompanying the Index, suggests that with an ageing population and non-communicable diseases like cancer, dementia and diabetes imposing an increasing burden, the need for palliative care in the UK will keep growing.

Annie Pannelay, principal, EIU healthcare, said: “The UK is an acknowledged leader in palliative care, and has kept its position at the top of our Quality of Death Index.

There is more that the UK could do to stay at the forefront of palliative care standards, such as ironing out occasional problems with communication or symptom control.

This issue will become increasingly important in an ageing population.”

Clare Periton, CEO of Helen & Douglas House, the world’s first children’s hospice on these findings, said: “Today’s findings ring true and are the culmination of work done by passionate healthcare professionals across the country.

“However, we must not become complacent with other studies still stating work must be done to make improvements.

“Quality care costs money and if we are to maintain the world-leading service we can offer our most vulnerable, we must ensure that donations and government backing are increased, with a growing need for end of life care in society.”