Review of palliative care provision launched by govt

A review into public funding of palliative care has been launched by health secretary Andrew Lansley.

Speaking to the International Carers Conference in Leeds, Mr Lansley said that the review would help to ensure that the money the government sets aside for palliative care is used appropriately.

It will be chaired by Tom Hughes-Hallett, chief executive of the Marie Curie Cancer Trust, covering provision for both adults and children, with the results due to be produced by Summer 2011.

Mr Lansley acknowledged how distressing living with a terminal illness can be, insisting that people in this position musty be given as much support as is possible.

"People should be able to choose where they are cared for - most would choose to be cared for at home, surrounded by their friends and family - and be certain that the care they receive will be of the highest quality," he said.

Last week, the head of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Dementia Baroness Sally Greengross called for urgent help to stop the social care system from "breaking at the seams".

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