Health Secretary Alan Johnson today (16 July)  launched the End of Life Care Strategy, backed with £286 million to provide high quality care for all adults approaching the end of their life. It will help more people to die in the setting they choose, mainly at home surrounded by loved ones.

Tony Wright MP said: “End of life care is such an important issue for so many people so it is right that the Government has sought to address the issue.

The strategy will mean better quality care for patients by making it easier for individuals to bring about their own preferences around end of life care. People want dignity in dying, and with properly co-ordinated services and supporting carers”.

The strategy will help support and train health and social care staff, providing more outreach specialist palliative care services, which some hospices are already starting to develop.