Press Release

EVERYBODY  DESERVES A DIGNIFIED DEATH

15th May, 2008 

Help the Aged has today responded to news of a new £1 million programme funded by the Department of Health, aimed at transforming physical environment in which the NHS cares for thousands of dying patients and led by the King's Fund .

Director of Policy, Paul Cann, said:

"Death is an unavoidable issue – but what is avoidable is the undignified and impersonal way in which many older people die in this country.

"Across society, there is a long way yet to travel before people have a clear understanding of what care they are entitled to at the end of their lives.

"This latest phase of the King's Fund's Enhancing the Healing Environment programme is a welcome practical contribution towards ensuring older people will be able to die in comfort and dignity with the very best care available, wherever they die.

"Bringing the reality of death in front of us and making mortuaries part and parcel of hospital life is part of challenging the taboo around dying.

"As the Government plans its new end-of-life strategy, Help the Aged hopes that even greater attention will be devoted to ensuring that the final period of life is not marred by poor support and a lack of dignity."