"Liverpool care pathway at St Luke's Hospice, Plymouth"

in July last year my mother passed away at st Lukes Hospice Plymouth. She was admitted to st lukes at the beginning of May. She spent ten weeks at the hospice, six of those weeks were on the Liverpool care pathway.

I believe the pathway caused her a great deal more suffering than if she had not been on it. I spent every day with her and watched helplessly as needless regulations of the pathway were put into place, only to cause more suffering on her part and added trauma to her family.

The staff were very dedicated and did everything they could, however my mothers needs were not met on many occassions due to the fact that pathway proceedure had to be followed.

I hear that the pathway is to be phased out. I hope this is true as I still have vivid memories of times my mother suffered as a result. Individual care is the only way to aid the dying.