How to Implement End-of-Life Care Policy

Universality Component

Quality End-of-Life Care:

The Right of Every Canadian

1. All levels of government must be on board with the philosophy of end-of-life care. The Federal, Provincial and the Territorial governments must be at the table.
2. Intersectorial planning will make certain that a consistant array of services are available across the nation.
3. Sustained federal funding for accredited programs and services related to EOL care. A coommittment from the provincial and territorial governments to honour the dispersal of allocated funds.
4. A bigger committment to federal and provincial research outside of the Canadian Cancer Research Institute. This institution does a fabulous job, but people die from diseases other than cancer every day.
5. A toll-free 24/7 telephone service and a website be made available across the country. Accessible information on EOL care is absolutely necessary for patients and their families, at the time that they require it. Included in this information network, will be access to the care-co-ordinator in the local area.
6. Advertising the changes in policy - including changes to resources, information access, services and programs available etc. - will be necessary.

Our next blog will cover the implentation of the Care Co-ordinator Component.