Care of the dying in one practice

Deaths in a two-doctor semirural dispensing practice with 3,800 patients were studied for 12 months. In this time there were 31 deaths, six of which were sudden and unexpected. Eleven patients died in hospital while undergoing investigation or initial treatment. Only 14 patients required terminal care, three of whom received this entirely in hospital. Six patients died at home and five others were transferred to hospital in the later stages. Consideration is given to the work involved with care of the dying, and also to the services available for patients who die at home. A charitable home nursing service was set up as a result of this study and this is described.