A recent study conducted by Marie Curie reveals that one out of every three individuals in England experiences pain or distress during the end-of-life phase. The research underscores a concerning deficiency in palliative care services, with approximately 170,000 people in England annually enduring their final moments without adequate support or comfort that should be universally accessible.
According to the study led by researchers from King’s College London and the University of Hull, in collaboration with the University of Edinburgh and funded by Marie Curie, the current situation may escalate by 2050, resulting in over 212,000 individuals passing away without receiving the necessary care.
This study, the first of its kind in more than ten years, has prompted families to demand urgent action from the government to alleviate the suffering their loved ones endure during their last days. Zoe Cooney, a resident of Chesterfield, shared the distressing experience of her mother, Karen Cooney, 65, who pleaded for relief from excruciating pain before her passing.
Zoe emphasized the trauma her family faced as her mother’s pain remained untreated, leading to a harrowing final night during which medical assistance was limited due to the holiday period. The heartbreaking account sheds light on the urgent need for improved end-of-life care services to prevent such agonizing experiences.
Marie Curie is advocating for significant changes in the Modern Service Framework to ensure comprehensive end-of-life support for all individuals. This includes continuous care availability, proximity of care facilities, and mandatory training for healthcare professionals to enhance their ability to provide compassionate end-of-life care.
In response to the study findings, Matthew Reed, Chief Executive of Marie Curie, emphasized the critical need for immediate government intervention to address the escalating crisis in palliative care. With the upcoming release of the Modern Service Framework, there is an opportunity to implement essential reforms that guarantee accessible and effective end-of-life care for all individuals across England.
