Last week the Scottish Government launched the Strategic Framework for Action on Palliative Care. This announcement follows pressure from charities and public health organisations to improve the end of life care that is provided to patients. A spokesperson from the Children’s Hospice Association Scotland (CHAS) said that high quality end of life care should be a “right for everyone in Scotland.”

The framework endeavours to improve end of life care by making palliative care available to everyone in Scotland at the end of their life, without regard to their gender, social position, location or diagnosis. The policy also has the wider aim of removing the taboo around speaking about death and bereavement. The Scottish Government has dedicated £3.5 million of public funds towards this programme and set out plans to cover the next five years. Additional training will be offered to the health professionals who work closely with patients and families to help them give the best care possible.

Health Secretary Shona Robison said: "Many people will have gone through the extremely sad process of looking after a loved one towards the end of their lives.

"This will always be a difficult experience, but our health and social care services have a crucial role to play in making it as dignified as possible, and ensuring that the patient's wishes and needs are taken into account.

"Scotland already has a very good reputation for our palliative and end of life care. But we are determined to keep improving. One of the key areas we want to improve is on the consistency of services.

"Through this new framework we want to make sure that everyone receives high quality palliative care - tailored to their own symptoms and life circumstances.

"This should be delivered to the same high standards, regardless of where you live, or what your illness is."

The announcement has been greeted by widespread praise.

Trisha Hatt of Mcmillian voiced support for the additional training that will be provided to health professionals.

Richard Meade, head of Policy and Public Affairs at Marie Curie said, “Marie Curie welcomes the publication of the Strategic Framework for Action on Palliative and End of Life Care and its commitment to ensure that everyone in Scotland has access to palliative care when they need it.”

Legal Assistance for Older People

The framework could also be a response to the fact that the UK population is continuously ageing. The average life expectancy in Scotland is now 76.8 for men and 80.9 for women. As we can all expect to live longer lives, we need to think about planning for a time when we may need care.

Power of Attorney

A Power of Attorney can give peace of mind about what will happen if you become unable to look after yourself. You can select a person you trust to carry out legal transactions on your behalf. Having this arrangement in place can save you and your family the distress and high costs involved in going to court to transfer powers.

Family Law Dundee

Family Law Dundee is operated on behalf of Kathleen McCarthy. Kathleen is a friendly and compassionate solicitor who has years of experience in drafting PoAs for clients.

Call us on 01382234348 or contact us online.