Dying Matters: The Reading Perspective

Healthwatch Reading reviewed local initiatives aimed at improving conversations about death, dying and end-of-life care in Reading during 2016-17. The report highlights growing efforts to encourage people to discuss their wishes, plan ahead and access better support at the end of life, in line with national ambitions to improve choice and personalised care. 

The report describes several successful public and professional engagement events, including a well-attended community event on end-of-life planning organised by a GP Patient Participation Group. Feedback suggested that people particularly valued hearing directly from trusted healthcare professionals and wanted practical information about advance care planning, wills, power of attorney and support available after a death. 

A major focus was the launch of Pall Call, a 24/7 nurse-led helpline and support service for people nearing the end of life. Early results were positive, with hundreds of calls received and evidence that the service helped prevent unnecessary hospital admissions. However, the service closed after only a few months because of difficulties recruiting specialist palliative care staff. 

Overall, the report emphasises the importance of talking openly about death and dying, improving access to end-of-life support and ensuring vulnerable people can express their wishes. It also highlights the valuable role of advocacy services in helping people influence decisions about their care and maintain dignity and wellbeing during the final stages of life.