VIRENDRA SHARMA MP SUPPORTS CONSTITUENTS IN PLANNING FOR END OF LIFE CARE

Virendra Sharma MP is supporting the General Medical Council’s (GMC) new guidance for doctors which will help patients approaching the end of their life to receive the care they want and need, at the right time, and in the place of their choosing whether at home or in a hospital setting.

For the first time, the GMC has given doctors in the UK guidance on advance care planning for patients nearing the end of life, including how to manage advance requests for and refusals of treatment.  The guidance reflects concern from patients that their wishes and preferences may not be known or taken into account, at a time when difficult decisions have to be made about their treatment and care. It emphasises to doctors the importance of creating opportunities for patients to discuss the issues that matter most to them as they approach the end of life; listening well to patients’ views and concerns; and making an advance care plan to help ensure that everyone involved in treating the patient understands and takes account of their wishes.

The new guidance, Treatment and care towards the end of life: good practice in decision making, which came into effect this month, supports doctors to make treatment decisions and provide care in a way that ensures patients are treated with dignity and respect and their family and carers are involved and supported. The guidance stresses the vital importance of good communication between doctors, patients and their families and members of the healthcare team.

Speaking at an event in Parliament to learn more about what these issues might mean to his constituents, Virendra Sharma MP said,

“I’m delighted to see the emphasis this new guidance places on good communication, dignity and respect for the individual, and recognising the role of family and carers and involving and supporting them in the decision making process. It is so important for patients to be given the opportunity to discuss in advance what treatment and care they want towards the end of life and I hope this will help to improve end of life care for my constituents in Ealing Southall.”