Work supported by CSI cited in NAO report

Download National Audit Office report on End of Life Care

Professor Irene Higginson, Scientific Director of Cicely Saunders International, welcomed the National Audit Office report on End of Life Care, when it was released in November 2008.

"The report draws important attention to the wishes of people to remain at home and yet the fact that still today only a few achieve this. The patchy provision of services has been exposed" said Professor Higginson. The National Audit Office report focussed on patients wish to remain at home, something which Cicely Saunders International has been investigating for some time. It is wonderful to see that although it has only been in existence a short time, work supported by Cicely Saunders International is now influencing government policy and reports.

Professor Higginson went on to say, "We were delighted to see that the National Audit Office referred to so much of our work. But the report also highlights many gaps in knowledge that need to be addressed, particularly with the growing numbers of people who will be approaching the end of life. If we are to meet people's choices we need to get better at managing symptoms and ensuring that services work effectively and efficiently to support people where they want to be. We also need to ensure that their family and caregivers, who do so much, can be supported too. With the creation of the first purpose built Institute of Palliative Care in partnership between Cicely Saunders International and the world leading university King's College London, and made possible through philanthropic support, we will be well placed to tackle many of the gaps in knowledge identified by the National Audit Office Report and to improve care."