CONTROVERSIAL methods of caring for dying patients in Runcorn and Widnes are to be scrapped.

The Liverpool Care Pathway will be phased out over the next six to 12 months and replaced by personalised, end-of-life care plans for patients.

NHS Halton Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) said there had been a risk that the national guidance on caring for dying patients was not being applied consistently.

Dr Cliff Richards, a local GP and chairman of the CCG, said: “Although there is evidence that when the LCP is used and communicated correctly it is providing high-quality end of life care, it is potentially not being routinely implemented in this way and this needs to change.

“The CCG is in support of the recommendation to replace the Liverpool Care Pathway with personalised end-of-life care plans.”

The announcement follows an independent review which recommended the Liverpool Care Pathway – in place across Halton since 2011 – be scrapped. Doctors, nurses, care home staff and other healthcare professionals have been following the guidance when caring for dying patient.

It has influenced decisions relating to comfort measures and continuing medications.

However, nationally concerns have been raised that it has resulted in patients being drugged and deprived of fluids in the last weeks of their lives.

Individual care plans will now be drawn up for every patient who does not have long to live.

An ‘end of life care facilitator’ has been taken on to work with doctors, nurses and other healthcare professionals to ensure they feel comfortable having end-of-life discussions with patients.

Dr Richards added: “This work will continue to be the focus of our efforts over the coming months and years. The decision to replace the LCP will not change the fundamental principles of how we deliver end of life care in Halton.”

What do you think of the Liverpool Care Pathway? Do you have experience of a relative who was put on the pathway? Let us know your thoughts below or email newsroom@worldgroup.co.uk