MSP gets insight into terminal illness care
Graham Simpson met with representatives from Marie Curie to hear about the care available for people living with a terminal illness – and their families.
The Central Scotland MSP visited the support service’s hospice in Glasgow, where he also learned 51 nurses works across the NHS Lanarkshire and Forth Valley areas to allow people to be cared for – and die – in their own homes.
Mr Simpson said: “Marie Curie is an exceptional charity that supports thousands of Scots every year who have a terminal illness.
“I back Marie Curie’s call that everyone should get the care and support they need at the end of their life.
“In my Central Scotland constituency, 51 Marie Curie nurses cared for nearly 4000 people in their own homes in 2017/18.
“If you are able, please donate so that thousands of Scots who are living with a terminal illness can continue to be supported by Marie Curie.”
Last year, Marie Curie nurses made more than 3700 visits to terminally ill people at home across the Central Scotland region, supporting 97 per cent of people to die in their place of choice in Lanarkshire.
As well as the nursing service, a reflective Mr Simpson also heard about the Marie Curie information and support service which provides “free clinical information, practical, emotional and bereavement support for anyone affected by terminal illness”.
Its teams help patients and their loved ones to “achieve the best quality of life” and support them to “keep their independence and dignity for as long as possible”.
Susan Lowes, Marie Curie policy and public affairs manager for Scotland, commented: “We were delighted to speak to Graham about the range of services we offer and people we support.
“We would like to thank Graham for his support.”
For further information about Marie Curie and its support services, visit www.mariecurie. org.uk/