Hospices are at centre of debate over assisted dying bill - what do they think?
Summary
Hospices are central in the discussion about a bill that would allow terminally ill adults to end their lives in England and Wales. Staff at Rowcroft Hospice express mixed feelings about the bill and are concerned about funding, as they largely depend on charity donations and are not fully government-funded.Key Facts
- The assisted dying bill would let terminally ill adults with six months or less to live choose to end their lives legally.
- The bill is currently being debated, with a key Commons vote expected soon.
- Rowcroft Hospice in Devon provides care for 2,500 patients each year, mostly in their homes.
- Hospices like Rowcroft are mainly funded through charity, including fundraising events and donations.
- There are concerns about the financial pressure on hospices, especially with recent increases in national insurance contributions.
- Rowcroft’s chief executive suggests the government should better fund palliative and end-of-life care.
- The Department of Health has provided £100 million extra for adult hospices in England for improvements this year.
- The UK death rate is projected to rise significantly by 2040.
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