What does the palliative and end-of-life care sector need from the next Government?

Organisations from across the palliative and end-of-life care (PEoLC) sector have come together ahead of the next General Election to outline our calls on all political parties and candidates.

A manifesto for palliative and end-of-life care highlights what the next government must do to make sure that everyone affected by dying, death and bereavement receives the best possible care and support, both now and in the future.  

Our joint manifesto highlights where significant improvements must be made in palliative care, as recent estimates suggest that while as many as 90% of people who die in the UK may need specialist or generalist palliative care, only around 50% of people who die receive it (1).

In bereavement support, too many people are also not getting the care and support they need, during the most difficult times of their lives. Sue Ryder research found that 70% of people could not access the support they would have liked following a close bereavement (2).

With an election due to be called, the next UK Government has a significant role to play in addressing the challenges in PEoLC and bereavement support for people across the UK. We have come together, as key members of the PEoLC and bereavement sector, to agree the changes that are needed to ensure support is improved. 

Our key asks from the next government are:  

• Deliver a new funding solution for hospices and palliative and end-of-life care to end the postcode lottery in access 
• Introduce a national delivery plan for palliative and end-of-life care in every nation to support the delivery of local services 
• Guarantee that palliative and end-of-life care services meet each individual’s needs, including those of people dying at home 
• Act to ensure that nobody dies in poverty and tackle inequalities in palliative and end-of-life care 
• Improve support for families and carers of people with a terminal illness, including implementing a cross-government bereavement plan. 

For questions and further information, you can contact the Sue Ryder campaigns and influencing team by email at campaigns@sueryder.org.

1) Modelling demand and costs for palliative care services in England: A final report by Sue Ryder

2) A better route through grief: Support for people facing grief across the UK