healthmedicinet

Dr Carter said the survey results have “touched a nerve” among
nursing staff.

“Hundreds have told us about the honour and privilege of caring for
people at the end of their lives.

“However, many are also profoundly troubled by their experiences of
trying to deliver care for the dying, against a backdrop of staff shortages,
lack of resources, inadequate training, cost pressures and rising demand.

“Sensitive nursing can make an enormous difference to the experience of a
dying person and a “good death” with expert care can also make the
bereavement process much easier for the loved ones they leave behind,” he
said.

Dr Carter said nurses needed time to have sensitive conversations with those
facing their final weeks and days.

“Nursing the dying is an art, as well as a science,” he said. “It cannot
be reduced to a process of drug administration or a series of required
nursing tasks, however important these things are.

“Nurses need time to listen to what the dying person wants, to recognise
their fears and anxieties and to help loved ones to understand what is
happening.

Dr Ros Taylor, national director for hospice care at the charity Hospice UK,
said: “We are really saddened by the shocking results of this survey. What
is shows is that nurses desperately want to provide sensitive and gentle
care for dying people, but huge numbers feel they don’t have the time,
support and training to do so.”