The Assisted Dying Bill has reached the end of its current parliamentary progress in the House of Lords. Whilst this marks a pause in the bill’s progression, the national conversation it has sparked remains vitally important. The Myton Hospices welcomes the continued spotlight on end of life care and the opportunity it presents to address longstanding challenges within the hospice sector.

We believe this conversation must act as a catalyst for meaningful change – particularly in ensuring fair and equitable access to high-quality palliative and end of life care, alongside urgent reform in hospice funding. True choice at the end of life can only exist when people are supported with the right care, at the right time.

Assisted dying is not the only way to prevent suffering. Hospices across the UK have been providing expert care, managing pain, and supporting patients and families for decades. Yet, despite this, the sector continues to face a funding crisis that is impacting the care available to those who need it most.

Ruth Freeman, CEO of The Myton Hospices, said:

While the Assisted Dying Bill has not progressed further at this stage, the conversation it has generated must not be lost. We strongly believe in informed choice at the end of life and that choice must include access to high-quality palliative care for everyone who needs it.

We see every day the difference that compassionate, specialist care can make – not only for patients, but for their loved ones too. However, without urgent and sustained funding, hospices like Myton are being placed under increasing pressure. True choice cannot exist without proper investment in end of life care.

The Myton Hospices will continue to advocate for improved access to palliative and end of life care, ensuring that more people receive the support, dignity and compassion they deserve at the end of their lives.