Toby Porter, CEO of Hospice UK, responds to MPs decision to continue the progress of the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill, which seeks to legalise assisted dying in England and Wales.
"Today’s decision by MPs represents a seismic change for end of life care in England and Wales. The introduction of assisted dying would have a huge impact on hospices, who are at the forefront of this care in communities across the country.
“Already, too many people don’t get the care they need at the end of their lives. Today’s decision brings the urgency to improve palliative care into even sharper focus, particularly for the most vulnerable members of society.
“Should the Bill become law, the Government has four years to bring about a transformation in palliative and end of life care. Nobody should ever feel that they have to choose an assisted death because they fear they won’t get the care and support they need. As it stands, we are concerned this could become the case.
“The Bill does not detail where assisted dying will take place, or to what extent hospices will be involved. This leaves many unanswered questions for hospices, who are already under immense pressure.
“Hospice UK remains neutral on the principle of assisted dying. We will work with hospices, Parliamentarians and government throughout the implementation period, assuming the Bill progresses, to navigate the many operational challenges it poses, and ensure the expertise and experience of the hospice sector is heard.”
