Terminally ill treated with dignity
Marie Curie, the UK’s leading end-of-life charity, firmly believes that every day of a person’s life matters – from the first to the last.
The organisation provides essential nursing and hospice care for people with any terminal illness, a free support line and a wealth of information and support on all aspects of dying, death and bereavement.
It is the largest charity funder of palliative and end-of-life care research in the country and is committed to sharing its expertise to improve quality of care and ensuring that everyone has a good end-of-life experience.
The charity brings light in the darkest hours and is calling for recognition and sustainable funding of end-of-life care and bereavement support.
Amy Dalrymple, associate director of policy and public affairs in Scotland, said:“We believe everyone living with a terminal illness should be able to get the most from the time they have left, however hard that may sometimes feel. We’ve been around as long as the NHS. And over the last 60 years, we’ve been there for hundreds of thousands of families.
“Marie Curie nursing staff care for terminally ill people when they need them most, day or night in their homes or at our hospices. Our nursing staff say their job is a privilege, knowing they are making a difference to patients and their loved ones in their time of need.
“Being there for patients throughout the night offers peace of mind, whether it’s to administer pain relief, listen and chat, or allow carers to get a decent night’s sleep so they can continue caring for their loved one the next day.”
Marie Curie research predicts that by 2040, 62,000 people in Scotland will be dying with palliative care needs each year, with over 80 per cent dying from more than one disease or condition. The greatest increase will be in those aged over 85, and twothirds of all deaths are likely to happen in community settings.
Amy continued: “Marie Curie is here for people affected by dying, death and bereavement and can help people cope when they don’t know how.
“There is a free support line and our trained volunteers and advisers are available with practical information and support when terminally ill people and their loved ones don’t know what to do next or just need to talk.
“Our ageing population means more and more people are living with terminal illness, often with more complex needs.
Most families in the country will find themselves affected by dying, death and bereavement in the coming years.
“But one in four people doesn’t get the care and support they need at the end of their life. We don’t think that’s good enough.
“We don’t think anyone should have to face the most difficult time in their lives by themselves.
“We’re determined to do more, for more of the people who need us, than we ever have before through our Scottish policy and research teams. Because every day matters when you’re living with a terminal illness.”
* Call the Marie Curie support line on 0800 090 2309 for practical or clinical information and emotional support if you’re living with or caring for someone who has a terminal illness.