Marie Curie: Luton residents urged to complete survey on end of life care in the East of England
The survey is being conducted by Marie Curie, the UK’s leading end of life charity, in partnership with NHS East of England.
It is inviting opinions from people on the care they or a loved one received, and what is important to them when living with any terminal illness on when receiving end of life care. The answers from the survey will form a report put to the people in charge of strategy and provision, and will help re-inforce good practice and identify areas which people would like to see improved upon.
People who have already taken part say it has been empowering. One woman, whose sister died after receiving a terminal diagnosis, said: “I feel very grateful to have had the opportunity to talk with the team at Marie Curie about what my sister went through at the end of her life. It has not only helped me to process things a little, but also given me the opportunity to speak out for her – something I was not able to do at the time. I hope my contribution to this study can ensure more people receive the dignity and respect we all deserve at end of life.”
Who can take part
Anyone aged 18 or over who is living with a terminal condition, supporting someone who is or who has had experience of a relative receiving palliative care can take part.
The online, anonymous survey should take no more than 15 minutes to complete with questions focusing on participants’ personal experience of terminal illness, the care received and what they think can be done to improve care for those approaching the end of their life and those supporting them.
Marie Curie understands that by taking part respondents may be opening up memories or experiences that are painful for people who are bereaved, or are currently going through this experience. To help, If you need any support after completing the survey, you can contact the free Marie Curie Support Line on 0800 090 2309. It is open from Monday to Friday 8am-6pm, and Saturday 11am-5pm.
What Marie Curie does
As the UK’s leading end of life charity – for any illness – Marie Curie supports people through hospice care, in-home care and information and support lines. Last year 61,800 were helped.
According to the chartity’s Jonathan Clemo, people who take part in the survey will help highlight priority areas for improvement, as well as recognising what is done well.
“We’ll be sharing the findings with those responsible for palliative and end of life care in the East of England, calling on them to incorporate a set of new recommendations into their strategies, plans, and service offerings.”
The survey closes on September 30 and should take around 15 minutes to do. To complete it please click here or visit Facebook - Marie Curie East England or google Marie Curie East England.