A WIRRAL End of Life Charter setting out 12 pledges of care people can expect to receive when they are terminally ill has been officially launched today.

The charter has been introduced following a damning independent review of the so-called "Liverpool Care Pathway" for end of life patients.

The LCP approach to care for the dying, developed at the Marie Curie Hospice Liverpool and the Royal Liverpool University Hospital in the late 1990s, was supposed to mean doctors could stop treatment if it would result in a more comfortable death, or withdraw food and drink if patients declined it.

But ministers announced in 2013 that the LCP would be phased out after an independent review uncovered evidence of abuse - including patients being unnecessarily sedated and denied food and water.

Instead, every patient would in future receive individual end of life care plans, following the inquiry led by Baroness Julia Neuberger.

Health professionals throughout the country are creating their own guidelines in response to the recommendations made by the Neuberger Review. 

The local charter is supported by Wirral End of Life and Palliative Care Partnership Group, and Cheshire and Merseyside Palliative and End of Life Care Clinical Network Steering Group.

Julie Gorry, chef executive of Wirral Hospice St John’s, said: “All health and social care professionals in the area and also businesses working with people at the end of their lives are being invited to pledge their support for the charter’s ideals.” 

In formally pledging their support, professionals and businesses are being asked to ensure their colleagues understand the aims of the charter and help will be given to see standards are met.

In return, they will be able to register their names on the "Find Me Help" microsite which enables people to identify local help providers.

Individuals are being asked to sign a "Supporters’ Roll", helping to spread the word that Wirral "has a high-quality of end of life care available."

"Care, kindness and understanding" underpin the charter's concept and pledges made to end of life patients include:

  • Support by skilled and knowledgeable staff that recognises your situation and who work together to coordinate and manage your care.
  • Care which includes what you eat and drink, control with your symptoms, and support with your emotional, social, cultural, and spiritual needs. 
  • The possibility that you may die within the next few days or hours is communicated clearly and sensitively, to you and those who are important to you. 
  • During your illness and after your death, those important to you, receive practical, emotional and spiritual support.

View the Wirral End of Life Charter here