Legislation in End of Life Care

When working in End of Life Care, it is essential to consider various pieces of legislation. Some general laws include the Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2006 and the Equality Act 2010. Additionally, specific legislation governs the agreed ways of working in end-of-life care. These include the End of Life Care Programme and the Health and Social Care Act 2008 (regulated activities) and Regulation 2009 (Regulation 17).

Additional Considerations

Several other factors must also be considered in end-of-life care:

• Making of wills
• Dealing with the patient's personal property
• Removal of medical equipment from deceased individuals
• Managing visitors and family members

Health and Social Care Act 2008

The Health and Social Care Act 2008 ensures that people using services at the end of their life have their care, treatment, and support needs met. This includes:

• Involvement in the assessment and planning of their end-of-life care
• Ability to make choices and decisions, particularly regarding pain management
• Systems in place for further assessments by specialist palliative care services and other specialists if needed

Provision of Information

Under the Act, individuals should have access to information relating to death and dying. This information should be available to them, their families, or those close to them, and include:

• Arrangements to minimise unnecessary disruption to care, treatment, support, and accommodation
• Ensuring those important to the individual can be with them at the end of their life

Ensuring Dignity and Respect

The Act also emphasises that individuals should have a dignified death. This includes:

• Respect for privacy, dignity, and comfort
• Recording wishes regarding the handling of their body and possessions after death
• Staff respecting their values and beliefs