We are aware of the publicity, in the national press in the autumn of 2009, about how some people are looked after when they are dying. 

We hope the following offers you some reassurance regarding the approach we take:

Liverpool Care Pathway (LCP)

All St Catherine’s Hospice in-patients have their care reviewed on a frequent basis by a multi-professional team (doctors, nurses, counsellors, spiritual carers, etc)  and changes in their conditions are able to be closely monitored and treatments adjusted appropriately.   We do use a ‘tool’ similar to the LCP which has been developed by a team of hospice staff.   It is simply a means of recording the regular checks and thereby monitoring of the changing condition of the patient. This enables our patients and families to receive the best and most relevant care.   Our multi-professional team are trained to use this tool competently and effectively as part of our specialised end of life care.

Help the Hospices, the umbrella organisation for all independent hospices in the UK (of which we are a member), has issued a response statement  regarding the Liverpool Care Pathway that clearly outlines a position that we support.
 
In addition, the Association of Palliative Medicine (representing doctors working in palliative care) has a specific view on the recent Liverpool Care Pathway concerns (their statement is halfway down their homepage).  It is a recognised professional body with respected views.