Today’s House of Commons vote in favour of The Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill does not change Royal Trinity Hospice’s neutral stance on the issue of Assisted Dying. It does, however, increase the urgency for a fairer funding model to solve the national hospice funding crisis. It is unthinkable that assisted dying be introduced whilst people are unable to access the care and support that might mean that this would not be a choice they would consider or need.

The public debate triggered by this bill has started a conversation about death, dying, and what constitutes a good death on a scale that we have not seen before. People on both sides of the debate have consistently recognised the vital importance of quality hospice care during this process, and the need for the government to ensure people do not opt for assisted death because palliative care is not funded properly.  

The current funding crisis facing hospices in the UK means that some people do not get the care they need, which is unacceptable. The government recognised this with an incredibly welcome capital funding package for hospices in December 2024. Still, it is a sticking plaster which will expire at the end of this year and will not pay the wages of our highly specialised staff next year and beyond. A sustainable and viable funding solution for hospices is urgently required to address the profound inequalities faced by those who need quality end of life care.  

We recognise that assisted dying is a complex and emotive issue for many and that our staff, volunteers, patients, and supporters will have a range of views on today’s news. We will continue to provide safe spaces for open debate and ensure our people get the support and information they need.

There is still a lack of clarity around what today's vote means for hospices. We welcome the inclusion of New Clause 20 and look forward to providing opportunities for the different views and experiences of people in our organisation to contribute.  

Royal Trinity Hospice remains neutral on the topic of Assisted Dying. Our priorities remain to provide the best possible palliative and end of life care for people wherever they need it, and to advocate for the funding we need from the government to make this happen.