Sue Ryder survey reveals terminal patients could be forced to consider assisted dying due to support gaps

A new Sue Ryder survey has found that 77% of respondents felt either a few, some or most terminally ill people would have this view because the end-of-life care they need isn’t available. [1]

Of the respondents who were in favour of assisted dying, this fear rose to 84%. [2]

Additionally, 75% felt that a few, some or most dying people who were struggling financially could also view assisted dying as their only option, and 80% felt this would also be true for those who were lonely or socially isolated. [3]

Sue Ryder takes a neutral stance on the issue of assisted dying. However, this survey has prompted fears that the patchy provision of palliative and end-of-life care across the country could mean some people may pursue an assisted death due to failings and gaps across healthcare.

The charity is calling on the Government to create a new “ecosystem” and improve palliative care in its 10 year plan for the NHS and says this must be done regardless of how MPs vote on the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill.

In what has often been a polarising debate, the survey reveals that all sides place a high importance on improving palliative and end-of-life care.

When asked whether legalising assisted dying or improving palliative care was more important, 42% said they were equally important, with 34% saying improving palliative care would be their priority. [4]

Of the people who indicated they were in favour of assisted dying, more than half (56%) said improving palliative care and legalising assisted dying were equally important. [5] Additionally, 32% of this group felt the government should not legalise assisted dying until end-of-life care is available to everyone. [6]

James Sanderson, the Chief Executive at Sue Ryder, says:

“We take a neutral stance on this issue and do not campaign for, or against, a change in the assisted dying laws. However, as one of the largest providers of end-of-life care, we feel strongly that no one should feel forced to consider assisted dying because the care they need at the end of their life isn’t available. This survey shows that people on all sides of the debate have a very real fear that this could happen.

“No matter the result of Friday’s vote, we need the Government to commit to adequately resourcing all aspects of palliative care, particularly within the community. Right now, swathes of people miss out on the care they need at home or are forced into hospitals. This is bad for patients and catastrophic for NHS resources.

"We can work with the Government to give more people their final wish of being at home. Through more support within hospitals, improving referrals to the community and increasing the use of hospice at home and virtual ward models, the hospice sector is uniquely placed to impact the Government’s key NHS targets.

"We need the Government to commit to creating a new ecosystem for palliative care, one that places importance on planning for and creating a good end of life. And this survey shows the public also wants them to make this a priority.”

For the research, Opinium Research polled 3,109 UK adults between 12th November 2024 and 18th November 2024. The results are weighted to be nationally and politically representative.

All respondents were asked “How would you describe your opinion on the issue of assisted dying?”. 56% said they were in favour, 12% said they were against, 28% said they were undecided and 5% (147 people) said they would prefer not to say. This final group (prefer not to say) were omitted from the wider survey questions.

The survey also revealed that respondents felt that if they had a terminal illness, the following could contribute to them choosing an assisted death.

• 31% said if they had unmanaged symptoms.
• 26% said because of not being able to access end-of-life care.
• 17% said if they were socially isolated.
• 17% said if they were struggling financially.

References:

1. If assisted dying is introduced at present, respondents felt that most (17%), some (38%) or a few (22%) terminally ill people would feel assisted dying is the only option for them because the end-of-life care they need isn’t available. Assisted Dying and End-of-Life Care Polling, conducted by Opinium and commissioned by Sue Ryder, November 2024.
   
2. If assisted dying is introduced at present, those in favour of assisted dying felt that most (21%), some (41%) or a few (22%) terminally ill people would feel assisted dying is the only option for them because the end-of-life care they need isn’t available. Assisted Dying and End-of-Life Care Polling, conducted by Opinium and commissioned by Sue Ryder, November 2024.
   
3. If assisted dying is introduced at present, respondents felt that most (17%), some (35%) or a few (23%) terminally ill people would feel assisted dying is the only option for them because they are struggling financially and most (20%), some (36%), or a few (24%) because they are lonely or socially isolated. Assisted Dying and End-of-Life Care Polling, conducted by Opinium and commissioned by Sue Ryder, November 2024.
   
4. Assisted Dying and End-of-Life Care Polling, conducted by Opinium and commissioned by Sue Ryder, November 2024.
   
5. Assisted Dying and End-of-Life Care Polling, conducted by Opinium and commissioned by Sue Ryder, November 2024.
   
6. Assisted Dying and End-of-Life Care Polling, conducted by Opinium and commissioned by Sue Ryder, November 2024.