Legal expert slams palliative care failings

By Napthens

26 May 2015

Website

A Lancashire solicitor is emphasising the importance of Lasting Power of Attorneys (LPAs) in light of a report which has exposed a number of serious failings in palliative care.

The Dying Without Dignity report published by the parliamentary and health ombudsman on May 20 revealed there have been 265 complaints about end-of-life care in the past four years. The report said there are too many instances of poor symptom control, inadequate out-of-hours services and lack of communication.

A spokesman from the Department of Health said improving end-of-life care is a priority for the NHS.

Kathryn Harwood, head of the Wills & Estate Planning team at Napthens, says the failings serve as a stark reminder of the importance of putting legal documents, such as an LPA, in place to protect family members and loved ones when they most need it.

An LPA is a document which gives legal authority to a chosen person, so that they are allowed to make decisions on an individual’s behalf if they become incapable of doing so.

There are two types of LPA, one relating to health and welfare and the other property and financial affairs.

Kathryn said: “Failings where end-of-life care is concerned is becoming a worrying trend. A number of tragic incidents have been exposed in which vulnerable people have not received the dignity they deserved during their final days. “One way of safeguarding loved ones is to put an LPA in place. If you don’t, and the worst happens, it could lead to a potentially distressing situation for family members and loved ones, with the risk of complicated legal issues. A lot of people think about Wills, but don’t consider LPAs at the same time.”

Enjoyed this? Read more from Napthens

Latest news

1

Minister officially opens cutting-edge security operations centre at Burnley College 31-10-24 - Ministeral Visit - Abena Oppong-Asare -5.jpg.jpg

Minister officially opens cutting-edge security operations centre at Burnley College

05 Nov 2024

2

Nybble's Charlotte Knowles appointed to Brewin Dolphin’s Female Founders Board Charlotte Knowles

Nybble's Charlotte Knowles appointed to Brewin Dolphin’s Female Founders Board

05 Nov 2024

3

Rugby legend backs University of Central Lancashire’s push to boost careers in sport Liam Farrell

Rugby legend backs University of Central Lancashire’s push to boost careers in sport

05 Nov 2024

4

Healthier homes on the horizon thanks to business team-up Deyrick Allen, Niamh Allen, Derek Horrocks and Tom Allen

Healthier homes on the horizon thanks to business team-up

04 Nov 2024

5

LCM acquires CorroGuard and strengthens its position as a leading coatings service provider LCM Corroguard email header.jpg.jpg

LCM acquires CorroGuard and strengthens its position as a leading coatings service provider

04 Nov 2024

PC PrestonMacan GIF980x120
Background image for hub sign up block

LBV Hub

Leverage Lancashire Business View platforms

Post your news
Post your events
Post your offers
Build your network
Improve your SEO
Gain coverage in the magazine
Sign-up
Events
The Lancashire Festival of Business
FOB 315
Exhibitions
30 Jan 2025

The Lancashire Festival of Business

Impact Conferencing, Burnley, BB12 6QP

09:00 - 16:00

RISE - The Academy for Female Leaders and Managers
WENDY BOWERS RISE Illustrstion copy.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Seminars
11 Jun 2024 - 04 Dec 2024

RISE - The Academy for Female Leaders and Managers

East Lancashire Chamber of Commerce, Clayton le Moors, BB5 5JR

09:00 - 16:30

Skills Bootcamp in Procurement - Cohort 2
Blue-Modern-Land-Travel-Youtube-Thumbnail-2-1024x576.png.png
LBV Hub Seminars
15 Oct 2024 - 17 Dec 2024

Skills Bootcamp in Procurement - Cohort 2

Community & Business Partners CIC, Blackburn, BB2 3UA

09:30 - 13:00

Why Trade Internationally?
Chamber Logo.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Seminars
06 Nov 2024 - 06 Nov 2024

Why Trade Internationally?

Lune Brew Co. Unit 2, Galgate Mill, Ind Est, Chapel Ln, Galgate, Lancaster, LA2 0PR

08:00 - 11:00

Bridging The Gap: Connecting business and developers
Nov Preston Tech Connection event banner-2.png.png
LBV Hub Networking
06 Nov 2024 - 06 Nov 2024

Bridging The Gap: Connecting business and developers

Society1 Coworking Space, Preston, PR1 3LT

18:00 - 19:30

The Business Network Central & East Lancashire
LBV Header (14).png.png
LBV Hub Networking
14 Nov 2024 - 14 Nov 2024

The Business Network Central & East Lancashire

Mytton Fold, Blackburn, BB2 7NP

11:30 - 14:15

mBITfor transformative leadership and coaching
mBIT coach Practitioner.png.png
LBV Hub Seminars
14 Nov 2024 - 17 Nov 2024

mBITfor transformative leadership and coaching

Unlocking Possibilities training venue, 166 Waterloo Road , Blackpool, FY4 2AF

09:00 - 17:00

Avidly Activates UK 2024 - Activate your customer-driven sales and marketing
avidly activates audience having a good time.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Networking
14 Nov 2024

Avidly Activates UK 2024 - Activate your customer-driven sales and marketing

Everyman Cinema, Holmes Mill, Clitheroe, BB7 1EB

10:00 - 16:00

Live Work Create: Building Community In The Modern World
Live-Work-Create-Building-Community-1024x1024.png.png
LBV Hub Networking
20 Nov 2024

Live Work Create: Building Community In The Modern World

Society1 Coworking Space, Preston, PR1 3LT

18:00 - 20:00

North West HR Employers Forum
CBP-logo LBV.png.png
LBV Hub Seminars
20 Nov 2024 - 20 Nov 2024

North West HR Employers Forum

Wham Stadium, Accrington Stanley, Livingstone Road, Accrington, BB5 5BX

09:00 - 12:00

LBV119 Magazine Launch Event
DSC9389
Networking
20 Nov 2024

LBV119 Magazine Launch Event

Stonyhurst College, Clitheroe, BB7 9PT

16:00 - 18:00

Emergency First Aid at Work
Chamber Logo1.png.png
LBV Hub Seminars
21 Nov 2024

Emergency First Aid at Work

FGH Training, 3rd Floor, Storey House, White Cross Business Park, Lancaster, LA1 4XQ

09:00 - 05:00

Advertise with us

Reaching 50,000 members, our print, digital and event platforms offer a fantastic way to raise your business profile and help you grow.

Find out more LBV118 Online Graphic
Subscribe now

Weekly news bulletin