The UK’s palliative care system is under significant strain and must become a government priority as the assisted dying bill progresses through Parliament. Senior healthcare experts warn that the limited resources available for end-of-life care could be further stretched by the costs associated with implementing assisted dying. Once a global leader in palliative care, the UK now struggles to provide sufficient support for its ageing population, leaving thousands without access to adequate services.
Around 100,000 people annually are unable to receive proper palliative care, with many families unhappy about the support provided to loved ones at the end of life. Hospitals and hospices are particularly under pressure, with only a third of hospice funding coming from the NHS, forcing reliance on charitable donations. Furthermore, four in ten hospitals lack seven-day access to specialist palliative care services, leaving gaps in crucial care provision.
While proponents of the assisted dying bill argue that legalising the practice could lead to improvements in palliative care, critics warn this is not guaranteed. They highlight concerns that NHS resources are finite, and implementing assisted dying may detract from funding and focus needed to fix the current system. Greater coordination across hospitals, community teams, and hospices, as well as enhanced training for healthcare staff, is urgently required.
Amid the debate, calls are growing for an independent commission to assess and reform the UK’s end-of-life care system. Advocates stress the importance of sustainable funding and a comprehensive strategy to address the palliative care crisis. Without immediate action, the system risks failing the most vulnerable patients, leaving many without the compassionate care they deserve.
