Letter to the editor: As a clinical nurse specialist in palliative care, I agree poor care is never acceptable and it is good to see an independent review is planned of the treatment of Emrys Robe (Look Into Mistakes, News Shopper, April 24).

Accuracy in information, however, should be key when reporting important issues to the general public.

The Liverpool Care Pathway has been subject to much controversial debate in the popular press.

It is very much more than just “a controversial programme allowing people with terminal illnesses to die by making decisions over food and fluids”.

The Liverpool Care Pathway is a comprehensive model of care aimed at assessing the individual physical, psychological, social and spiritual needs of people in the last few days of life, in order to promote comfort and dignity.

It is not a treatment or withdrawal of treatment plan, rather it is a framework for managing care and treatment.

It requires senior clinical decision-making and coherent communication.

It is merely a tool and relies on staff who are committed to providing compassionate care.

Decisions regarding food and fluids to patients who are dying form part of this complex assessment process where risks and benefits of treatments and interventions will be discussed.

Improved care for the dying was pioneered in the UK in the borough of Bromley, led by Dame Cicely Saunders and her team at St Christopher’s Hospice.

Healthcare professionals and the media alike have a responsibility to ensure accurate information is conveyed to patients, families and the general public, in order appropriate and dignified end-of-life care is attained.

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