One Chance to Get It Right: Improving People’s Experience of Care in the Last Few Days and Hours of Life

The Leadership Alliance for the Care of Dying People has just released a 168-page report: One Chance to Get It Right: Improving People’s Experience of Care in the Last Few Days and Hours of Life.



The report is focused on 5 Priorities for Care.  These priorities are that, when it is thought that a person may die within the next few days or hours:

1. This possibility is recognised and communicated clearly, decisions made and actions taken in accordance with the person’s needs and wishes, and these are regularly reviewed and decisions revised accordingly.


2. Sensitive communication takes place between staff and the dying person, and those identified as important to them. 


3. The dying person, and those identified as important to them, are involved in decisions about treatment and care to the extent that the dying person wants. 


4. The needs of families and others identified as important to the dying person are actively explored, respected and met as far as possible. 


5. An individual plan of care, which includes food and drink, symptom control and psychological, social and spiritual support, is agreed, coordinated and delivered with compassion.