Hospital beds in Wales are being considerably occupied by those in the final year of life, amounting to around one-fifth of the total hospital bed count over the past twelve months.

Hospital beds in Wales are being considerably occupied by those in the final year of life, amounting to around one-fifth of the total hospital bed count over the past twelve months.

The Struggle of End-of-Life Care in Wales

The last year of life is a critical, demanding phase that consumes nearly a fifth of Welsh hospital beds, as revealed by an end-of-life care charity, Marie Curie Cymru. The charity insists that the situation in Wales is past its breaking point and demands action from the incoming Welsh government to ensure top-notch care.

The advocates argue that care provision could often be better managed at home or nearby, as they launch their manifesto for the upcoming 2023 Senedd election at Cardiff Bay's Norwegian Church.

Gareth Miles, a Welshman who resided in Llanddarog, Carmarthenshire, lost his life at home in September 2023. He had suffered from Parkinson's disease and spent ten weeks in the hospital before his final week. His daughters, Branwen, Eiry, and Elen, urge for better care at home for those with palliative or end-of-life conditions.

EiryMIles voiced her concerns stating, "The system is not adequately funded, and there's a shortage of carers." She shared her father's struggling journey, which began after he shifted to the hospital, despite his condition improving after ten days. He was stuck in the hospital, waiting for his care package to be reinstated, which led to his deteriorating health.

Marie Curie Cymru calls for better connections between health and social care services. They highlighted the significant impact such changes could have, not only for the terminally ill person but also for their loved ones. Eiry Miles expressed the invaluable support her family received from Marie Curie during this difficult period.

Having fond memories of her father, Eiry reflected on his life, expressing gratitude for the fulfilling life he had experienced and the loving relationships he possessed. However, she lamented the last days of his life, which were spent in a painful and distressing hospital environment. Gaining her family's support, they were eventually able to bring him home to pass away peacefully surrounded by his loved ones.

Eiry’s intention in sharing her story is to raise awareness of the issue, hoping that others might benefit from the assistance and support available during their end-of-life care journey.

Natasha Davies, senior policy manager for Marie Curie Cymru, concurs that the end-of-life care system in Wales is under extreme pressure and at the brink of collapse. She says that many individuals are unable to access the care and support they need, neglecting them on multiple occasions.

Although Davies acknowledges that hospital is often the best place for some individuals to receive their care, she emphasizes the importance of reducing hospital admissions for those with end-of-life conditions. She suggests that community-based care could minimize the need for hospital admissions for many.

The Welsh government has declared that they provide more than £16 million annually to secure high-quality end-of-life care for everyone. They have set national standards, boosted community services, and made sure people receive the support they need. They are also working closely with health boards and local authorities to improve safe patient discharge from hospitals, as informed by discharge data and monthly improvements.

1. The advocates for better end-of-life care, led by Marie Curie Cymru, believe that the situation in Wales requires immediate action from the upcoming Welsh government.
2. Gareth Miles, a resident of Llanddarog, passed away at home after suffering from Parkinson's disease.
3. His daughters, Branwen, Eiry, and Elen, advocated for better care at home for individuals with palliative or end-of-life conditions.
4. Eiry Miles voiced her concerns about the inadequately funded system and the shortage of carers.
5. Eiry shared her father's struggles, which began after his shift to the hospital, despite his condition improving after ten days.
6. He was stuck in the hospital, waiting for his care package to be reinstated, which led to his deteriorating health.
7. Marie Curie Cymru called for better connections between health and social care services to enhance support for the terminally ill and their families.
8. Eiry Miles expressed the invaluable support her family received from Marie Curie during this difficult period.
9. Having lost her father in a painful and distressing hospital environment, Eiry aims to raise awareness about the issue for the benefit of others.
10. Marie Curie Cymru insisted that the end-of-life care system in Wales is under extreme pressure and close to collapse.
11. Many individuals are unable to access the care and support they need, according to Natasha Davies, senior policy manager for Marie Curie Cymru.
12. Although hospital care is often necessary for some individuals, Davies emphasized the importance of reducing hospital admissions for those with end-of-life conditions.
13. Davies suggested that community-based care could minimize the need for hospital admissions for many.
14. The Welsh government announced that they provide more than £16 million annually to ensure high-quality end-of-life care for everyone.
15. They have set national standards, boosted community services, and ensured that people receive the support they need.
16. The Welsh government is working closely with health boards and local authorities to improve safe patient discharge from hospitals.
17. This effort involves utilizing discharge data and implementing monthly improvements to enhance the process.
18. The struggle of end-of-life care in Wales extends beyond the health and wellness industry, touching upon the broader aspects of business and leadership.
19. Climate change, pollution, and environmental science play significant roles in creating a sustainable future for health and well-being, including end-of-life care.
20. The manufacturing industry plays a part in producing medical equipment and therapies necessary for end-of-life care, requiring considerations for workplace wellness and energy consumption.
21. Mental health is an essential factor in dealing with end-of-life care, as individuals and their families may face emotional challenges in this critical, demanding phase.
22. Men's health and women's health must both be addressed equitably to ensure quality end-of-life care for all, including considerations for womens' health, men's health, and parenting.
23. Skin care, eye health, hearing, and digestive health are among the many medical conditions that could impact end-of-life care, requiring attention from healthcare providers.
24. Chronic diseases, including cancer, respiratory conditions, cardiovascular health, and autoimmune disorders, are common among those suffering from end-of-life conditions.
25. Alternative treatments such as CBD, therapies, and various medical conditions including neurological disorders may require attention during end-of-life care.
26. The finance industry can play a role in situations like end-of-life care, through personal finance management, investing, banking, insurance, and financial technologies (fintech).
27. Real estate, retail, transportation, entrepreneurship, automotive, small businesses, and the aviation industry are essential parts of the broader economic landscape that can impact end-of-life care.
28. Aging populations, demographic shifts, and weight management are relevant factors when discussing end-of-life care in the context of business and leadership.
29. Diversity and inclusion, leadership, and environmental concerns such as climate change and affordable clean energy are critical factors for the future of end-of-life care and the overall health and wellness industry.

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