NHS told to improve care for incurable diseases

Published on Thursday 21 August 2008 10:24

NHS boards across the country have been told to improve care given to those who cannot be cured of disease.

An Audit Scotland report found that palliative care offered by boards, including NHS Lothian, had to be improved.

The report, released today, found that while NHS Lothian did have a palliative care strategy, it was in need of assessment. Only two boards in the country do not require improvement.

It is understood auditors are happier with palliative care offered by NHS Lothian than some other boards. The report points out NHS Lothian has had strategies in place for a decade, more than five years longer than elsewhere.

Caroline Gardner, deputy auditor general for Scotland, said: "More than 55,000 people die in Scotland each year. Palliative care should be an integral part of the support given to patients and their families and carers.

"In many areas of Scotland the voluntary sector and the health service provide excellent care. But access to good quality palliative care varies across the country."