8 Jun 2026 Care

The Kirkwood’s response to the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill failing to become law

On Friday, 24 April, 2026, the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill officially fell short of becoming law in England and Wales. While the parliamentary session ended without agreement on the bill’s final wording, the national conversation surrounding how we care for people living with life limiting illnesses has never been more urgent.

Following the announcement, Michael Crowther, Chief Executive of The Kirkwood, said: “Voluntary Assisted Dying is a topic that sparks deeply personal and often polarised views, both for and against. However, throughout the debate one unifying theme has emerged with overwhelming consensus; ensuring every person has access to high quality palliative and end of life care should be a top priority for our government and the healthcare sector.

“But right now, we know that isn’t the case. Demand for hospice services is rising, yet 75% of hospices in England are running a deficit. 380 desperately needed beds are closed because of funding shortfalls. And nearly six in ten have already made or are considering cuts to frontline services.

“The Kirkwood isn’t immune from these financial pressures. While we have taken significant steps toward securing the future of hospice care here in Kirklees with our local healthcare partners, we still rely on the generosity of our community to fund the majority of what we do. 

“The care a person receives at the end of their life should not depend on where they live. Nor should the burden to ensure the future of hospice services fall so heavily on the generosity of local communities. We must find a sustainable balance between voluntary donations and statutory government funding.

“While the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill will not become law during this Parliament, the conversation is far from over. Yet, while the legal debate pauses, the needs of those facing life limiting illnesses do not. 

Michael Crowther, Chief Executive with The Kirkwood 

“True choice at the end of life is only possible when high-quality palliative care is accessible to all. The support offered by The Kirkwood and our fellow hospices should be a right, not a luxury. It should be available to everyone, irrespective of their background, their culture, their beliefs, or their postcode. Every family deserves the right to choose how they are cared for and to be supported to live well until the end of life.

“Now is the time to come together to make sure hospices are properly funded so we can be here for everyone who needs us. Today, tomorrow and for future generations."