§ Dr. IddonTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what data he has collated on disabled persons who are not dying receiving terminal care. [83376]
§ Ms JowellPalliative care is the active total care of patients whose disease no longer responds to curative treatment, focusing on the quality of life and integrating the physical, psychological, spiritual and social aspects of care. Terminal care is an important part of palliative care and usually refers to the care of patients during their last few days, weeks or months, from a point at which it becomes clear that the patient is in a state of progressive decline.
Pain therapy in palliative/terminal care must be tailored for each patient. Most patients with advanced disease will require pharmacological therapy. Strong opioids, such as diamorphine and morphine, are prescribed for severe pain and must be administered regularly to control pain and prevent pain recurring.
Medical treatment given to a patient, disabled or otherwise, with the primary purpose of inducing death is illegal. Anyone alleged to have undertaken such action would be open to a charge of murder or manslaughter.
Information on such cases is not available centrally.