At St Christopher’s Hospice, which is neutral on whether or not the law should be changed, we’ve been engaging with the topic of Assisted Dying closely over recent years, offering our expertise and insight to politicians and the public, and learning from our staff, community and volunteers.

Today April 24 marks the last possible day of debate in the House of Lords before the Bill ‘times out’.  We know this may be an emotional moment for those who have been following the potential change in the law.

At St Christopher’s we acknowledge the wide-ranging views held by the public and professionals on Assisted Dying and the importance of everyone accessing good palliative care.

Today, we feel it is important to remind the government of the promises made over hospice and palliative care funding during the parliamentary debates and wider conversation around end of life care.

Steve Smith, CEO of St Christopher’s Hospice, home of the modern hospice movement started by Dame Cicely Saunders, says:

“Today we are urging that the Prime Minister and government meet the commitments made by politicians during debates of the Assisted Dying bill and invest in hospice and palliative care.

“At St Christopher’s Hospice we are neutral on whether or not the law should be changed but we haven’t shied away from the conversation. We’ve been engaging with the issue of Assisted Dying closely over recent years, offering our expertise and insight to politicians and the public, as well as learning from our community, staff and volunteers.

“During the debates, MPs of all persuasions highlighted the importance of palliative and hospice care and committed to supporting further investment in our vital services.

“Yet as the legislation has made its way through parliament, the financial pressure on hospices has only intensified. Chronic underfunding has collided with rapidly rising need. Nearly 60% of hospices in England have made or are considering cuts to frontline services.

“There is a clear lack of effective oversight of the independent hospice sector and so regardless of any future legislation around Assisted Dying, we call on the Prime Minister and the government to listen to parliament and invest significantly in palliative and end of life care.

“The message is clear. Deliver fair funding for hospices and prevent further cuts to the care that people need at the end of their lives.”