People across Cambridgeshire and Peterborough who have experience in using palliative or end of life care, their families, carers, or medical support staff, are being invited to share their experiences with the NHS to help improve access to urgent medicines.
A survey, launched by NHS Cambridgeshire & Peterborough, is calling for feedback as part of its plans to review the future of its local Pharmacy Palliative Care medicine services.
There are over 3,700 people receiving palliative and end of life care across the area, and many will be regularly prescribed medication as part of their therapies and treatment.
Palliative care is available for those who have a life-limiting illness, and end of life care is a type of palliative care people receive in the final year of their life.
With palliative or end of life care, doctors will often write prescriptions for medication to help with symptoms.
Sometimes, these prescriptions are written in an emergency because there is a new symptom, one has worsened, or the medicine was used quicker than expected.
Sati Ubhi, chief pharmacist at NHS Cambridgeshire & Peterborough, said: “People living with palliative or end of life care, deserve quality care and treatment, including easy and quick access to the medication during such a difficult time.
“That’s why we’re keen to understand how they, their carers family, friends and health and care staff find their experiences when requesting and receiving the necessary medication needed.
“If somebody needs an urgent prescription or palliative care, please contact your GP or healthcare professional, or Cambridgeshire and Peterborough’s palliative care hub helpline.”
Palliative care clinical nurse specialists are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week for patients, relatives, friends, and healthcare professionals via 111.
They can be contacted by dialling 111 option 3 for free and will provide specialist advice about life limiting illnesses.
The palliative and end of life care pharmacy survey can be completed until October 2 2023.
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