Dr Nick D’Arcy

A woman whose elderly mother died after falling in her home has praised NHS staff and urged people to take part in an end-of-life survey.

Devon’s two NHS Clinical Commissioning Groups (South Devon and Torbay CCG, and NEW Devon CCG), which are running the survey, say it will highlight any variations in the quality of service during end-of-life care across the county.

When the survey ends, the information will be analysed and changes will be made to the service to ensure it is the best it can be.

Rebecca, who does not want to give her full name, said: “I cannot fault the care given to my mother during what was a very traumatic and stressful time.

“Staff were extremely compassionate and tended to all her needs, and we’re very grateful to them for what they did.

“However, I did feel that the communication with my mother and her family could have been better. There were a number of discussions going on, but the family were not included in all of these.

“Also, when my mother died, we were not told about what to do next or to whom we could speak if we had questions.

“The NHS is keen to ensure that experiences like this aren’t repeated, so they are undertaking a survey that people in a similar situation can fill out.

“The findings from the survey will, hopefully, identify gaps in the way end-of-life care is provided. So I would urge as many people as possible to fill in the survey.”

Dr Nick D’Arcy, South Devon and Torbay CCG’s clinical lead for patient safety and quality, said it is important that people across Devon take part in the survey.

He added: “According to the responses to the survey we’ve received so far, in most cases the clinical care given to patients who were dying was good, but the way information is communicated could be improved.

“We want to ensure that the whole range of end-of-life care is as good as it can be, so we would like to hear from anybody associated with end-of-life care, whether you’re a carer, relative or friend of anyone who recently passed away, or you know someone who is receiving end-of-life care.”

The survey runs until 1st April, with the results being published shortly afterwards. It can be completed online (bit.ly/2duNDtW). A paper copy can be requested by calling 01803 652 578 or emailing patientfeedback.sdtccg@nhs.net.