Marie Curie Cancer Care has called for terminally ill people to be given ‘fast track' access to social care services in the last six months of life.

The charity published a new poll on 13 February, which revealed more than half of people (53%) doubt the NHS will provide high quality care to them or someone close to them who is dying.

More than three quarters (77%) of people surveyed thought end of life care should be more of a priority for the NHS.

‘Marie Curie is calling for a change in thinking about end of life care and for the introduction of free social care funding for those in the last six months of life,' said chief executive, Dr Jane Collins.

‘We are working to challenge policy makers and health professionals to work in a different way, ensuring they understand the real need and provision for people who are nearing the end of their lives.

‘It is only by getting more people out of hospital and into more appropriate care that the Government will be able to meet the twin challenges of looking after more people for longer at much reduced cost.'