Response to Senedd vote on assisted dying

Katie Reade, Head of Policy and Public Affairs at Hospice UK said: “We welcome the support expressed last night in the Senedd for hospices and palliative care, and the recognition of the need to strengthen these vital services so they can continue long into the future. 

“The case for a sustainable funding solution for Welsh hospices has never been more urgent. Nearly 30% hospices across Wales are facing cuts, putting further pressure on services that are already stretched. 

“Hospice UK does not have a collective view on whether the law on assisted dying should change. However, real choice at the end of life is only possible when people have access to high-quality, well-funded palliative and end of life care. Without urgent reform to how hospice care is funded and commissioned, there is no real choice. 

"Hospices provide vital care and support to more than 20,000 adults and children every year, yet the sector faces mounting financial strain and real inequities in access, with nearly one in three people missing out on the palliative care they need.  

“Without action to help hospices continue delivering vital services, there is a risk that this legislation could widen existing gaps in access and place further strain on an already fragile system. 

“Regardless of how the Bill progresses, one thing remains clear: high-quality palliative and end of life care must be available to anyone, everywhere. Getting that right is urgent and must be treated as a priority.”