Bereaved Carers Survey about End-of-Life Care in Leeds
Download (PDF 2.02 MB)Summary of report content
Healthwatch Leeds undertook research into the experiences of end-of-life care of bereaved carers in Leeds. Between February and June 2023, 109 people responded to their survey.
Key findings:
Hospices
• All respondents felt their relative or friend died in the right place.
• Family/friends recognise and credit the person-centred care provided for their loved one at the end of life, particularly their attentiveness to go above and beyond in both caring for and supporting family / friends.
• A respondent recommended ensuring clear signposting and information provision of service upon arrival to family / friends.
Hospitals
• 75% felt their relative/ friend died in the right place.
• Some staff were commended for demonstrating compassion, attentiveness, and patience to both the patient and their family / friends.
• Respondents highlighted the distress when a loved one is constantly moved between wards. They expressed the need for consistency communicating visiting hours when friend / relative is at the end of life.
Home
• 80% felt their loved one died in the right place.
• Some people said that dying at home had been their relative or friend’s preference and were glad their wishes were met.
• Some worried about the lack of timely support available and having to wait long periods of time before pain was managed by relevant professional support.
Care home
• 80% felt their loved one died in the right place.
• Respondents said that dying at their care home had been their relative or friend’s preference and were glad their wishes had been met.
• Respondents reported the distressing impact that the lack of coordination in care and management of end of life can have, suggesting the way in which services link and work together needs to be continually reviewed and improved.
The report contains recommendations and will be shared with Leeds Palliative Care Network and by each individual organisation locally through their clinical governance and quality assurance structures. The report will be made publicly available through Healthwatch Leeds and the Leeds Palliative Care Network website.