City's end of life care has 'greatly improved'

END of life care services in Plymouth are in a much better place than they were a year ago, councillors in the city have been told.

- By ALISON STEPHENSON [e-mail]

Health professionals have responded to recommendations made by Plymouth City Council to improve the experience for patients reaching the end of their lives and families.

More people are being cared for at home or at Mount Gould community hospital, so less are dying in the acute hospital setting of Derriford and support for patients has improved, a report to the council's health and adult social care scrutiny panel showed.

But one councillor claims end of life and palliative care is still failing as it's “not consistent”.

Cllr Terri Beer’s (Ind, Plympton Erle) motion to Plymouth City Council in March highlighted the problems and asked for a review which was supported by members.

In a statement to the scrutiny panel this week she spoke of missed medications, inconsistent care and families having to demand for things.