Ways and means: This report highlights factors which contribute to inequalities in end of life care. It reveals that the likelihood of what can be described as a ‘good death’ - one where the wishes of the patient and their family are met - can be significantly affected by where people live, their ethnicity and previous contact with social care. But the most critical factor is early diagnosis and timely initiation of support. It argues that tackling these inequalities requires placing an emphasis on training, communication and integration across health and social care. It recommends free social care at end of life be adopted as soon as possible, while ensuring that health and care professionals, who have a central role in providing well coordinated end of life care, are equipped and properly supported to talk about death. It concludes that a misplaced sense of delicacy must not prevent us from responding to people’s needs.
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