Response to the launch of the Scottish Government’s new palliative care strategy

Responding to the launch of the Scottish Government’s new palliative care strategy, Helen Malo, Senior Policy and Public Affairs Manager at Hospice UK said:  

“Hospice UK welcomes Scotland’s new palliative care strategy and its clear aim for people of all ages to receive palliative care and bereavement support based on what matters to them. This is an important starting point, and we look forward to working with the Scottish Government to ensure those commitments are delivered in practice. 

“However, the future of palliative care requires transformation, not tweaks. Too many people in Scotland are still dying without the support they need, and too many are spending their final weeks in hospital beds, not because they need to be there, but because the system gives them no other choice. 

“We need bold action to drive urgent reforms: investing in palliative care to meet rising demand, expanding community-based services, and reducing avoidable hospital admissions. The Government must also deliver on its previous promises of long-term, sustainable funding for hospices, including full parity with NHS pay for hospice staff. 

“This strategy marks a turning point, but more is needed to make sure everyone in Scotland can access the best possible care at the end of life.”