Treatment of Liverpool Care Pathway patients to be reviewed

An independent review of the Liverpool Care Pathway, chaired by Baroness Julia Neuberger, has prompted a review of every patient currently on the pathway. The Neuberger Inquiry found examples of abuse An independent review of the Liverpool Care Pathway, chaired by Baroness Julia Neuberger, has prompted a review of every patient currently on the pathway. The Neuberger Inquiry found examples of abuse across the NHS and worrying standards of care, including allegations that patients had been unnecessarily sedated and denied food and water.

The Liverpool Care Pathway, which is now being phased out to restore public confidence in the treatment of terminally ill patients, had been introduced throughout the NHS and involves the withdrawal of treatment from patients assessed to be approaching the end of their life. There have however been concerns that the pathway has actually been used to hasten death, and that family members are not always consulted prior to withholding food and fluids.

Following the review, the Department of Health will tell doctors that each patient should have a personal treatment plan agreed with their families, and that hospitals are to refer doctors to the General Medical Council if they discover that procedures have been abused.

The full review can be accessed here.