Devon Project Targets Improved End-of-Life Care

A collaboration between a hospital trust and a charity seeks to expand the options accessible to individuals approaching the end of their lives. University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust and Marie Curie have announced their joint effort to support patients requiring end-of-life care. Officials stated that among the modifications introduced by the project are additional dedicated beds at Mount Gould Hospital, designed to provide a more tranquil setting for patients. Jenny Evans, Marie Curie’s clinical nurse manager, commented that the partnership is expected to enhance support for both patients and hospital personnel. Further changes implemented via the partnership involve Marie Curie supplying healthcare assistants to assist Derriford’s A&E department. Additionally, a team of nurses from the charity is engaged in identifying individuals approaching the end of their lives who require assistance with transfers to their chosen care location. Shaen Millward, the University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust lead for end of life, noted that certain hospital wards, including A&E departments, frequently experience noise and limited space, which can intensify stress for patients at life’s end. He indicated that the collaboration between the trust and Marie Curie aims to address these issues. “What it enables us to do is provide a location which is quieter that people can access more easily,” Mr Millward stated. “There are an increased number of side rooms to give people that dignity and space, to have a better death.” Ms Evans remarked: “It’s a much nicer, calmer, quieter environment with more people around to be able to have those conversations and make sure people get that enhanced level of support that they need and deserve at the end of their life.” Lilian Killian, who passed away in September at 95 years old after suffering a stroke, received care at Mount Gould. Her son, Peter, described the difference in her experience at Mount Gould compared to Derriford, her initial care location, as “enormous.” “I would say her comfort level must have been better because it was just a lot quieter and there was less going on,” Mr Killian commented. Follow BBC Devon on X, Facebook and Instagram. Send your story ideas to spotlight@bbc.co.uk.Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. Read about our approach to external linking.