UK is the best place in the world to die

[cronus]

http://www.theguardian.com/society/2015 ... care-index

UK is the best place in the world to die, according to end-of-life care index

The UK is the best place in the world in which to die, according to a study comparing end-of-life care in 80 countries.

The integration of palliative care into the NHS, a strong hospice movement largely funded by the charitable sector, specialised staff and deep community engagement are among the reasons cited by the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU).

The upper echelons of the index are dominated by wealthy European, Asia-Pacific and north American countries. Australia is second, New Zealand third and Ireland and Belgium complete the top five.

Annie Pannelay, of EIU healthcare, said: “A very strong marker in our index is the availability of specialised palliative care workers and this is where the UK scores particularly well. The UK has a long history of providing treatment in palliative care. The other super strong marker is the way that the countries do have a plan for palliative care. That means they are on the dynamic of measuring progress and improving.”

The US is ninth in the index. Taiwan is the highest Asian country, placing sixth, while India and China rank 67th and 71st respectively. Their performances were described as worrying in light of their huge populations, with China of particular concern given that “the impact of the one-child policy, often leaving individuals caring for two parents and four grandparents, will lead to even more demand for outside resources to provide support”.

Among the countries that fare well despite being less wealthy and having less well developed healthcare systems are Mongolia and Panama, 28th and 31st on the index respectively. Mongolia’s performance was attributed to an individual doctor who has driven an increase in palliative care.

Despite the UK’s top ranking, the study’s authors say it is “still not providing adequate services for every citizen”.

(continued, that's me they are on about, can't afford to die...even.)

[JimC]

As long as it's better to die here rather than fucking New Zealand, I'm happy!

[Seth]

Time for Carousel!

[cronus]

I think it is good we can do one thing better than anyone else. That's why they keep coming though. Our deaths are notably more peaceful than those in the Middle East despite Jesus having lived there. Especially if you are on the Liverpool death pathway.

[Hermit]

When my father, a pensioner without assets, was diagnosed having an inoperable brain tumor hegot the best palliative care anybody could wish for. No matter whether he was at home or in a hospital, doctors and nurses attended to him whenever that was needed. He died three months after the diagnosis, aged 87. The level of professional care and the genuine compassion given increased my already high opinion of Australian medicos and the Australian way. Tax funded health carefor the win!

No, I am not sad that he died. He had lived a fortunate, happy and long life, and he did not suffer any of the indignities such as dementia or incontinence that are the tragedies of aging, nor was the cause of his passing physically painful. What more can one wish for?