Press release
18 May 2011
Care organisations urged to improve progress in access to specialist palliative care services for those without cancer
People with a condition other than cancer are finding it easier to access specialist palliative care services than was the case a decade ago, an annual survey of such care suggests.
In 2009/10 12% of those using such services had a condition other than cancer. That continues a slow but steady rise since 1999/2000 when the figure was 5%, according to the 2009/10 minimum data set for specialist palliative care services.
Double-counting of people who use more than one specialist service does mean some caution is needed with the figures but the upward trend is seen as significant.
Despite the improving trend, the study suggests there is a long way to go. Nearly three-quarters (73%) of all UK deaths were from conditions other than cancer.
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