On 3 April, National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) produced a rapid guideline on managing coronavirus (COVID-19) symptoms (including at the end of life) in the community. This includes advice on managing symptoms of breathlessness.
It is vital that dying patients are given as much dignity and comfort as is possible. To that end, the guideline recommends considering an opioid and benzodiazepine combination for patients with coronavirus who are dying, are distressed and suffering moderate to severe breathlessness.
To read the full statement from the GMC and CQC, please click here.