More than 80% of health costs in final year of life ‘spent on hospitals’ More than 80% of healthcare costs in the final year of life are spent on hospitals, according to a new report.
Nuffield Trust deputy director of research and report co-author Sarah Scobie said: “High-quality care at the end of life is an essential part of ensuring that people can die well but policymakers are flying blind when it comes to understanding what costs are incurred in supporting those in their final year of life.
In contrast, public spending on primary and community healthcare makes up 11% (£1.3bn) of health expenditure for people in the last year of life, with less than 4% (£414m) spent on hospice care, the analysis found.
“But with £4 in every £5 of health care spend for those in their last year of life going on hospital care, our findings show the Government has a serious challenge ahead to make this a reality for those in need at the end of life.”.
James Sanderson, chief executive at Sue Ryder, said: “We must look at better ways to care for people at the end of life within hospitals and are calling on the Government to work with our sector to embed Sue Ryder ‘Alongside’ hospices on hospital grounds.
