Welsh Government end of life care plan

Commenting on the publication today of the Welsh Government's Together for Health - Delivering End of Life Care plan, Age Cymru's Policy Advisor Amy Clifton says:

"Death should be a dignified process and Age Cymru welcomes this strategy from the Welsh Government and its commitment to improving end-of-life care.

"Everyone who needs palliative care - specialist, tailored care provided to people who are nearing the end of their lives, should have access to it.

"Unfortunately older people currently experience unequal access to specialist palliative care and hospices.

"Many older people- even those with illnesses such as cancer, are currently denied such options, and are not given the choice and support over key issues such as where they wish to die.

"Urgent action is needed to address this and end-of-life care should be an integral part of care planning for all older people with chronic and long term health conditions."