Conversations about end-of-life care in South Gloucestershire

Healthwatch South Gloucestershire undertook research on people's experiences of palliative and end of life care after it had been identified from work priorities identified by its Prioritisation Panel in 2023.  They undertook interviews with 10 people. 

Key themes

• Dignity and respect for those at the end-of-life, their families and carers
• Better communication between health professionals and families, and carers
• Clear communication between different hospital departments
• Timely communication about end-of-life by medical staff to families and carers whilst people are in hospital.
• Privacy whilst family members are dying in hospital wards, particularly during family visits
• Ensuring that end-of-life Care Plans are in place, that final wishes are communicated to hospital or care home staff
• Acknowledgement of carers’ roles
• Involvement of carers in end-of-life care planning for those living at home, in residential care homes or in hospital
• Respite support for carers looking after their families and relatives at end-of-life
• Need for support for self-care for carers and families of the dying
• Choice of care – at home, in residential care or in hospital
• Choice of where to die (home, care home or hospital)

The outcomes of this project have been shared with local health commissioners, Healthwatch England, the CQC, the Sirona End-of-Life Care service, St Peter’s Hospice and the South West Palliative and End-of-Life Care Collaborative.