What’s the issue?

On average people in Britain in the last year of life have more than three emergency admissions, spending almost three weeks in hospital as a result.

Some of these emergency admissions are necessary, but many could be avoided if the right care was available for people in their homes or in the community.

Why this matters

Reducing emergency admissions to hospital is better for patients and vital to relieving pressure on the NHS.

Every time someone approaching the end of their life is rushed into hospital, it can result in upset and disruption for them and their families which impacts on their quality of life.

They and their loved ones also often have to endure the stress and uncertainty of not knowing when or even if they will be able to return home.

What’s the solution?

Independent research from the Nuffield Trust found that people who were supported by the Marie Curie Nursing Service are three times less likely to require an emergency admission and twice as likely to die at home.

Where commissioned, our nurses can provide care in the community at any time, day or night, meaning that people are still able to access expert care outside of normal working hours and outside of hospital.

Our rapid response service also means that patients and their families can access information and advice over the phone, and urgent nursing care in their homes, any day of the week. And importantly, help keep people out of hospital.

But we are only part of the solution - we need to make this kind of community care a priority for the NHS.

How you can help

We’re campaigning to make national and local NHS leaders aware of how investing in community care can help reduce emergency admissions.

Have you or a loved one had experience of repeated emergency admissions at the end of life? If so you can help the campaign by sharing your story.