The Mary Stevens Hospice recognises and respects the views of both public and professional persons on the complex subject of Assisted Dying.
As a provider of specialist palliative care, we take a neutral position on assisted dying, we neither support nor oppose a change in the law.
As an organisation we support the provision of appropriate and equitable palliative care services that are accessible to all who need them.
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The Mary Stevens Hospice urges the government, following the vote by MPs in favour of the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) bill on Friday 29th November, to now engage and consult with palliative care organisations to ensure the provision of equitable palliative care services for all who need them. This engagement must include a diverse range of community voices, allowing individuals to share their views on what a ‘good death’ looks like to them, rather than being solely defined by experts in the field.
We strongly believe that, before the bill’s second reading, robust safeguarding measures must be put in place to address concerns and protect those who are most vulnerable within our society. We also welcome the call by several MPs during the debate for a commission report on end of life care.
Whilst The Mary Stevens Hospice continues to provide specialist palliative care those who need it, at present palliative care and hospice funding is both inadequate and inequitable, resulting in many people dying without receiving the quality and individualised care they need. The government must now take urgent action to provide a long-term solution to the funding crisis. (updated 03/12/24)