‘Postcode lottery’ over care for dying children, MPs warn

DYING children are facing a postcode lottery over the quality of care they receive, MPs warned yesterday.

About 40,000 babies, children and young people in England have chronic illnesses. But palliative care levels are “patchy” and “depend where in England they live”, the all-party parliamentary group found.

It said in a report: “This

VOICE Nikki Lancaster is limiting choices. It is also unfair and represents a wholly unjustified health inequality.” The group also raised concerns about out-of-hours palliative care and respite for parents. Nikki Lancaster, whose son Lennon died last year, said: “Palliative care is essential. Without it, we couldn’t have survived.” The Department of Health and Social Care said the UK is ranked one of the best worldwide for palliative care.