The Leadership Alliance for the Care of Dying People (LACDP) has published a new approach to caring for people in the last few days and hours of life, that focuses on the needs and wishes of the dying person and those closest to them, in both the planning and delivery of care wherever that may be.

The Five new Priorities for Care are:

1.The possibility that a person may die within the coming days and hours is recognised and communicated clearly, decisions about care are made in accordance with the person’s needs and wishes, and these are reviewed and revised regularly.

2.Sensitive communication takes place between staff and the person who is dying and those important to them.

3.The dying person, and those identified as important to them, are involved in decisions about treatment and care.

4.The people important to the dying person are listened to and their needs are respected

5.Care is tailored to the individual and delivered with compassion – with an individual care plan in place

All agreed ways of working are detailed in the Person Centred Support Plan. Check regularly for updates, and pass on any concerns or changes to the line manager without delay.