29 Nov 2024 Care

Response to today’s vote on the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill 2024-25

The voting for the assisted dying bill (Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill 2024-25) has concluded today with a result of 330 for and 275 against. This means the bill will now continue for further parliamentary scrutiny with the backing of elected Members of Parliament. 
 

Following the announcement, Dr Stephen Oxberry, Medical Director for The Kirkwood, provided this response:

"Throughout the debate over the last few months, including today, it is clear how passionate people are that they and their loved ones should have access to the best possible palliative care and support as they approach the latter stages of their lives – and that they should be afforded the opportunity to die well. Sadly, the debate has highlighted many lived examples across England and Wales where this has clearly not been the case.
 
"This debate has shone a spotlight on the significant lack of resources available to support people with terminal illnesses as they approach the end of their life within the current NHS health and social care system. It has also served to further emphasise the scale of dependence placed on charities to try to provide services for people approaching the final stages of their lives, which will become increasingly unsustainable without further support from the government.
 
"Whichever side of the debate you have been on, we all share common goals in prioritising and making improvements to existing palliative and hospice care to allow better care in the final stages of life.
 
"Let's work together to keep the focus on ensuring everyone affected by a life limiting illness has the opportunity to access high quality palliative and end of life care, is given the support that is right for them, and is supported to die well; not limited by under-investment and under-resourcing."
 

Dr Stephen Oxberry, Medical Director for The Kirkwood