Compassion in Dying welcomes NICE End-of-Life Quality Standards

NICE has today, alongside a number of publication partners including Compassion in Dying, launched its End-of-Life Quality Standards.

 NICE quality standards (QS) are specific statements and measures that describe aspirational but achievable care for adults across the NHS in England.  This new quality standard includes 15 statements for the care of dying adults. One of the core components of the QS is ensuring patient preferences for treatment at the end of life can be respected, so that we all get the care we would like. The standard also covers support for the families and carers of loved ones who are dying.

Sarah Wootton, Chief Executive of Compassion in Dying said:
“The NICE quality standards are both timely and important.  Patients should be at the heart of all decisions about their care where possible, and should always be treated with dignity and respect. Recording and adhering to patient treatment preferences at the end of life is key to this.
“It is also crucial that carers and families receive support during and after the end of their loved ones lives.  This standard is a welcome addition to other work to ensure that people can have the best death possible for them.”
Ends

Notes to editor:

Compassion in Dying

Compassion in Dying is a national charity (no. 1120203) that aims to support people at the end of life to have what they consider to be a good death by providing information and support around their rights and choices.  We are a leading provider of free Advance Decisions in the UK and we also conduct and review research around patient rights and choices in end-of-life care. 
Compassion in Dying was set up in 2007 by the campaigning organisation Dignity in Dying to take on the charitable aspects of its activities.  The two organisations now work in partnership.
While Compassion in Dying aims to increase people’s understanding of and empowerment around existing end-of-life rights through information, research and education, Dignity in Dying campaigns to extend and defend individuals' rights at the end of life.
For more information on Compassion in Dying visit www.compassionindying.org.uk

The End-of-Life Rights Information Line

The End-of-Life Rights Information Line is available on freephone 0800 999 2434, or by emailing This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or writing to Information Line, Compassion in Dying, 181 Oxford Street, London W1D 2JT.  The phone-line is open between 11am and 3pm Monday to Friday.

About the Quality Standard:
The quality standard is available on the NICE website from Wednesday 30 November at:
http://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/qualitystandards/indevelopment/endoflifecare.jsp
Media Contacts:
For all Compassion in Dying media enquiries, please contact Jo Cartwright on 020 7479 7737 / 07725433025 or at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .