Marie Curie comments on news that Labour MP Lauren Edwards has reintroduced the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill in the House of Commons return to Parliament for debate on September 11.
Sam Royston, Marie Curie executive director of policy & research, said: "Whether or not the law changes on Assisted Dying, it is vital that the UK Government delivers long-overdue improvements in palliative and end of life care.
“Marie Curie is neutral on whether there should be a change in the law on assisted dying, but we are clear that all dying people and their families deserve high-quality care in their final days. We can’t ignore that nearly one in three people die without receiving the care and support they need.
“We welcome the UK Government’s plans to publish the Palliative and End of Life Care Modern Service Framework this Autumn. It is critical that this plan commits to 24/7 support, improvements to care and support in the community, and a focus on ensuring all health and care staff are trained to support people at the end of life.
“This must be backed by funding and a delivery plan to ensure improvements are delivered in practice. Dying people and their families have waited long enough; they need compassion, dignity, and support, not more delays.”
Jon Antoniazzi, Marie Curie associate director for policy and public affairs Wales, said: “Whether or not the law changes on Assisted Dying, it is vital that the Welsh Government follows through on commitments made prior to the election to improve palliative and end of life care.
“The palliative and end of life care system in Wales is under immense pressure. Too many people are dying in isolation, in pain and with care preferences unmet. Urgent action is required to ensure everyone can access the care they need, when and where they need it.
“Marie Curie Cymru has set out the changes needed to policy and practice to fix end of life care in Wales. This must include action to improve how services are planned and delivered, a sustainable funding solution, investment in the palliative care workforce and vast improvements in community and out of hours care for people living with a terminal illness.
“We stand ready to work with the Welsh Government and politicians from all parties to ensure that palliative and end of life care is made a priority this Senedd term, and that ambitions translate into meaningful change that delivers better care for all.”