The UK government is discussing the country’s biggest challenges at the Labour party conference. But amid the speeches, announcements and headlines, it should not forget one of the clearest messages to emerge from parliament just two weeks ago – our palliative care system is not working for far too many people. Throughout the assisted dying debate, MPs who disagreed deeply on the core issue, often agreed on one thing – our palliative care system urgently needs fixing.
Some spoke from personal experience where they had seen relatives forced to wait hours in pain, or those who had to go to hospital instead of staying in their own homes because the right support wasn’t available. They raised concerns that those from poorer backgrounds were more likely to struggle to access good quality palliative care and described the system as a “postcode lottery”, with some areas offering 24-hour specialist support in people’s homes, while in the next town over, A&E is the only option. As attention turns to conference season and the next set of political priorities – including a new system of adult social care free at the point of delivery – there is a danger these concerns are forgotten.
MPs were right to say palliative care needs urgent reform during the assisted dying debate; that urgency can’t disappear now the vote is over. At Sue Ryder, we have a neutral stance on assisted dying. But we are clear that everyone deserves access to good palliative care when they need it.
Too often, the debate is framed as a stark choice between unbearable suffering on one side and an assisted death on the other. The reality is rarely that simple. Of course, dying is not easy.
Some people experience pain, breathlessness, restlessness or other distressing symptoms. When that happens, our responsibility is to respond – bringing all the skill, expertise and compassion we have to relieve suffering as best we can. But one troubling thing about the debate around assisted dying is that the most difficult deaths are often presented as if they are the norm.
When good care is available, dying can be a calmer, more peaceful experience: families gathering around bedsides, holding hands, sharing stories, laughing through tears and making the most of whatever time remains. We see people becoming increasingly tired. They sleep more and eat less, gradually becoming less aware of the world around them as their bodies begin the natural process of dying.
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