Hospice UK responds to assisted dying vote in Westminster

Toby Porter, CEO of Hospice UK says: “We recognise that today’s vote will be deeply disappointing for those who have supported a change in the law. But there is so much that can be done to improve choice at the end of the life by investing in end of life care, including funding to hospices. This would dramatically improve the choices available to the 150,000 people in England and Wales who currently do not receive the palliative care they need.

"Right now nearly 60% of hospices in England have made, or are considering, cuts to frontline services at a time when demand is growing. This means more and more people are going without the care and support they need. 

“While the proposed legislation on assisted dying will not progress, as a society we must not lose focus on the urgent need to fix the hospice funding crisis. Opponents and supporters of the Bill must now channel their energy and passion into fixing it, to ensure everyone can get the end of life care they need.  

“The Prime Minister has recently stated the need to fix palliative care funding. His support is welcome, but his words must now be accompanied by meaningful action.