NHS end-of-life care in England ‘variable and inequitable’ says watchdog

The report highlighted ‘concerns about the limitations of the delivery of palliative and end-of-life care’ which are more noticeable in deprived areas. Photograph: Peter Byrne/PA

End-of-life care across the NHS in England is “variable and inequitable” and “often falls below expectations”, according to a patient safety watchdog.

The Healthcare Safety Investigation Branch (HSIB) found care for patients who are dying is “inconsistent” across England, despite a national strategy for proceedings being in place since 2008.