The challenges in end-of-life care management in England and Wales are becoming increasingly apparent, with doctors raising concerns about the ability of current services to meet the rising demand. Palliative care doctors, in particular, are warning that billions of pounds in new investment are needed to address these issues.
It is estimated that by 2048, an additional 130,000 people in England and Wales will require palliative care. Despite the Department of Health and Social Care already spending £6 billion annually on palliative care, the Association for Palliative Medicine has released a position statement expressing opposition to new laws on assisted dying.
The Association cites concerns such as the lack of adequately funded specialist palliative care services, safeguarding issues, and worries about the impact on doctor-patient relationships. While the majority of members oppose assisted dying, there are differing views within the association.
Dr. Sarah Foot, a palliative care doctor, emphasizes the need for a significant overhaul of palliative care, stating that funding should not rely on charities. She stresses the importance of investing in the workforce and palliative care beds to ensure that individuals can pass away comfortably.
Dr. Rachel Clarke, a specialist in hospital palliative care, believes that the law should not be changed at this time due to the failure to provide proper care for patients at the end of life. She highlights the risk of individuals choosing to end their lives if they do not receive the necessary care, pointing out the inadequacy of governments in providing adequate palliative care.
Marie Curie’s report predicts a substantial increase in the number of people requiring palliative care in England and Wales by 2048. However, funding issues are already impacting services, with one in five hospices reducing services due to the worst funding crisis in two decades.
The introduction of a bill in parliament aiming to give terminally ill individuals the right to end their lives has sparked further debate. The bill, subject to the agreement of a judge and two doctors, has divided political parties and even the Church of England. The importance of investing in palliative care alongside any new legislation is emphasized by proponents of the bill.
Former president of the supreme court, Brenda Hale, has spoken out in support of assisted dying, arguing that it is not compassionate to force individuals to endure unbearable suffering against their wishes. The upcoming vote on the end-of-life bill on 29 November will be a crucial moment in determining the future of palliative care and assisted dying legislation in the UK.
The government has expressed a commitment to providing high-quality, compassionate care from diagnosis to the end of life. The shift towards community-based healthcare aims to ensure that patients and their families can access personalized care in the most appropriate setting. As the debate continues, the need for increased investment in palliative care remains a pressing issue that must be addressed to meet the needs of those facing end-of-life decisions.