Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman publishes report into end of life care complaints
The Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman has published a report entitled ‘No second chances: What Complaints Teach Us About End of Life Care’.
The report draws on what the Ombudsman has learnt from investigating complaints about end of life care in adult social care. It documents common problems the Ombudsman has noted from complaints it’s received, and advice for councils and care providers about how to get end of life care right. Most notably, the report has a significant section dedicated to personal stories from families who’ve experienced end-of-life care for a relative that went wrong, including for loved ones living with dementia.
Amerdeep Clarke, Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman and Chair of the Commission, says:
“We recognise that care services face real and serious pressures. Staff work hard, often in difficult circumstances and with limited resources. This report is not intended to diminish that. But we cannot allow financial pressures or stretched capacity to become a justification for care that falls short of what people at the end of their lives – and those around them – have every right to expect.
I hope this report will prove useful for those responsible for overseeing and delivering end-of-life care. It is called No Second Chances because that is the reality for the person who is dying, and for everyone around them. There is one opportunity to get this right and we want to help those providing care to take that opportunity, every time.”
Read the report here: https://www.lgo.org.uk/assets/attach/6989/FR-End-of-Life-Care-FINAL.pdf