The new Welsh Government has received a clear message from more than 3,000 people from across Wales – that it’s time to fix end of life care.
The UK’s leading end of life charity Marie Curie has delivered an open letter at the Senedd, highlighting the 3,250 campaigners supporting its call to fix the crisis in end of life care.
The open letter was presented on the steps of the Senedd, with MSs from across the political spectrum attending and speaking with staff from Marie Curie who shared the message that dying people and their loved ones deserve better.
Marie Curie Cymru Policy and Public Affairs Manager, Dr Tomos Evans, said: “We have made this an issue that can’t be ignored by the Welsh Government – and together with our campaigners have said loud and clear: it’s time to fix end of life care in Wales.
“Change is needed – now. This is an important moment after months of campaigning by this community, who have supported us by sending emails to MS candidates, letters to newspapers and supporting our campaign for community care, funding, and support for carers to feature in political parties’ manifestos.
“Together we’ve shown that campaigning works. But this is just the start.
“After such a significant election, it’s now time for the new Welsh Government to deliver the change needed to transform end of life care. We know it’s possible, and we’ll be holding them to account, every step of the way, to make sure they deliver it.”
The charity is calling for the Welsh Government to ensure that palliative and end of life care services are responsive to people’s needs, are sustainably funded, have an expert workforce that meets the growing need for care, and that people have 24/7 access to support.
“Truly transforming end of life care means making sure people can access the care they need, in the right place at the right time,” added Dr Evans.
“It means getting the basics right to tackle inequity; by understanding gaps in care so services deliver timely, personal, and high-quality care for everyone in Wales, no matter who they are or where they live.
“It also means having meaningful conversations with dying people about their care preferences, so their wishes are heard and respected. And it means protecting people living with a terminal illness from poverty and making sure carers and loved ones receive proper support.”
Marie Curie is the UK’s leading end of life charity, providing expert end of life care for people with any illness they are likely to die from, and support for their family and friends, in our hospices and where they live. It is the largest charity funder of palliative and end of life care research in the UK, and campaigns to ensure everyone has a good end of life experience.
If you or a loved one need help on anything to do with end of life, Marie Curie’s free Support Line is available on 0800 090 2309.
ENDS
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Notes to editor: **
For further information please contact Rachel Moses-Lloyd, PR and Media Lead, Rachel.moses-lloyd@mariecurie.org.uk / 07730617843
Or contact the Marie Curie Press Office: media@mariecurie.org.uk / 0845 073 8699.
Please note, Marie Curie is not a cancer charity but the UK’s leading ‘end of life charity’. We care for people with any illness they are likely to die from including Alzheimer’s (and other forms of dementia), heart, liver, kidney and lung disease, motor neurone disease, Parkinson’s, and advanced cancer.
**About Marie Curie **
Marie Curie is the UK’s leading end of life charity.
The charity provides expert end of life care for people with any illness they are likely to die from, and support for their family and friends, in our hospices and where they live. It is the largest charity funder of palliative and end of life care research in the UK, and campaigns to ensure everyone has a good end of life experience. Whatever the illness, we’re with you to the end.
If you’re living with a terminal illness or have been affected by dying, death and bereavement, Marie Curie can help. Visit mariecurie.org.uk or call the free Marie Curie Support Line on 0800 090 2309.
Whatever the illness, wherever you are, Marie Curie is with you to the end.
If you’re living with a terminal illness or have been affected by dying, death and bereavement, Marie Curie can help. Visit mariecurie.org.uk or call the free Marie Curie Support Line on 0800 090 2309.
Whatever the illness, wherever you are, Marie Curie is with you to the end.