27 October 2012
RCGP Response to End of Life Care Media Stories This Week
Responding to recent news articles on end of life care, Dr Clare Gerada, RCGP Chair of Council,said:
“The RCGP is appalled at the media coverage in the Daily Mail and elsewhere about planning for end of life care.
“As well as being inaccurate and deliberately misleading, this coverage is creating unnecessary distress and fear for patients who might be nearing the end of their life and for their families.
“Far from being “sinister” or placed on a "death list" as the Mail suggests, it is important that GPs talk sensitively to patients who are coming towards the end of their life about their wishes, such as whether they want to be cared for in their own home rather than in hospital.
“Half a million people in England die every year but many people are not receiving the end of life care that they need and want, often because their wishes have not been discussed with them.