* The number of notifications continues to be a matter of public interest. We have looked at possible reasons for the 10% increase. However, we are unable to draw any firm conclusions, and can only speculate. Since the review committees were set up in late 1998, there have been fairly large fluctuations within the 1,800-2,100 range (from 1,815 in 2003 to 2,123 in 2000). The only conclusion to be drawn at this stage is that the choices made at the end of people’s lives are still in a state of flux.
* In general, the review found that the Act is functioning satisfactorily. The goals of the Act, including greater transparency in euthanasia procedures, are largely being attained.
* In 1,686 cases patients died at home, in 147 cases in hospital, in 82 cases in a nursing home, in 89 cases in a care home and in 116 cases elsewhere (e.g. in a hospice or at the home of a relative).
* The average time that elapsed between the notification being received and the committee’s findings being sent to the physician was 28 days.