MPs, you told us clearly that end-of-life care in the UK is broken. So now we need you to fix it
During the assisted dying debate, most politicians agreed on one thing – palliative care reform is urgent. Patients and those of us who care for them are waiting
TL;DR
- MPs across the political spectrum agreed that the UK's palliative care system urgently requires reform, as highlighted during the assisted dying debate.
- Concerns were raised about inequalities in access to quality palliative care, with some describing it as a 'postcode lottery'.
- The author emphasizes that good palliative care can lead to a calmer, more peaceful dying experience, contrasting with the often-highlighted difficult deaths.
- Uncertainty, loneliness, and logistical difficulties navigating the healthcare system are identified as significant forms of suffering at the end of life.
- There is a call for increased investment in palliative care, including better support in hospitals and expanded hospice-at-home services, to ensure equitable access.
- The urgency expressed during the assisted dying debate must be maintained to address the ongoing palliative care crisis.