DYING patients across the North-East are being given the option to be transported by ambulance to their preferred place to die anywhere across the region.

The End of Life Transport scheme introduced by the North East Ambulance Service will help patients plan where they want to end their life and ensure they get there in the most caring and comfortable way possible.

The service will run seven days a week, with dedicated ambulances and specialist technicians trained in end of life care, allocated to the scheme.

The move follows a successful pilot scheme, which ran from October 2015 to March 2016, in which 1037 people used the service, with more than 80 per cent reaching their destination in less than two hours.

The majority of patients who used the service were picked up from hospital, with nearly half being taken home for the remainder of their life.

NEAS Chief Executive, Yvonne Ormston, said: “Our pilot scheme was extremely successful and well received by both patients and our NHS partners. Thanks to its success we hope to continue this service.

"For those nearing the end of their life, it is incredibly important that they are in a place where they feel comfortable and cared for, surrounded by loved ones.

"Speed can be critical at this time and our scheme ensures patients are picked up within a timely manner to be taken to their chosen location.”

Macmillan clinical nurse specialist, Tony McCoy said that ambulance attendants in the scheme have gone way beyond what would normally be expected.

Anyone who requires the End of Life Transport service should contact their own healthcare professional including GPs, hospitals or hospices.