A different ending: End of life care review
What we found
People from certain groups in society are experiencing poorer quality care at the end of their lives than others because providers and commissioners do not always understand or fully consider their specific needs.
Some commissioners and providers might not be fulfilling their duties under the Equality Act 2010 as all public bodies have a legal duty to consider the needs of a range of equality groups when carrying out their day-to-day work.
Health and care staff are not always having conversations with people early enough about their end of life care. This means they don’t have the opportunity to make plans and choices with their loved-ones about how and where they would prefer to die.
We identified examples of good practice, but found that action is needed to make sure everyone has the same access to high quality, personalised care at the end of their lives, regardless of their diagnosis, age, ethnic background, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability or social circumstances.