§ Mrs. Dunwoodyasked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether there have been any studies carried out within the Health Service on the training to be given to medical staff in the emotional care of the terminally ill, similar to those existing with the hospice movement.
§ Mr. Geoffrey FinsbergI am not aware of any studies made within the National Health Service, but the publication in 1980 of the report of the Standing Medical Advisory Committee's working group on terminal care has stimulated attention to the needs of the dying and their families. It recommended that the training of doctors and nurses should place greater emphasis on the care of such patients, including the emotional aspects. A range of training opportunities is available in this field.