[Doug]

Originally Posted by garinda

Most people have had close encounters with death, anyone one whose read my blog will have read of the slow death of my Aunt aged fifty seven over the last few months. She chose to fight right until the day she died, when we were told her illness was terminal.

I believe quality of life also should be addressed as well as terminal illness. If my quality of life becomes so unbearable, and dependent on others to perform even the most mundane of tasks, I'm out of here, and if I don't have the ability I demand the right to seek assistance without the threat of prosecution hanging over that person.

I couldn’t agree more in respect of the quality of life endured by those facing the end of their life in this way, To little is done nationally to manage terminal care holistically, although some tremendous work is being done by some agencies, unfortunately there seems to be an attitude of localised effort as opposed to a national standard. The regulation is in place however it’s down to individual Councils and Health Trusts how budgets and care initiatives are managed. As always the door is open for the volunteer and grass roots support sectors to lead the way forward. Care pathways, person centred approaches, outcomes in practice and rights and choices are all available now and would make a difference to our people if only those in control could coordinate effectively………..