Rapid access to care

As the condition of a person nearing end of life may change rapidly, it is essential that they can access services without delay. If they are likely to live for only a matter of weeks, days matter. If the prognosis is measured in days, hours matter.

PCTs and LAs will wish to ensure that medical, nursing and personal care, and carers’ support services can be made available in the community at anytime, seven days a week. It is also important that these services can be accessed without delay. This can avoid unnecessary emergency admissions to hospital and can enable more people to live and die in the place of their choice.

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