Hospiscare Position Statement on Assisted Dying (Physician Assisted Suicide and Physician Assisted Euthanasia)
The ethos of hospice and palliative care, as defined by the World Health Organisation, is that it ‘intends neither to hasten nor to postpone death.’ Hospiscare strives to provide a very high standard of specialist palliativecare enabling people to live as well as possible until they die.
Assisted Dying is a complex and evolving issue. Hospiscare respects that there are a wide range of views about this subject, and we make no judgement about those who support, request or oppose it. Patients and families will receive the same compassionate care whatever their beliefs.
As the law stands currently, assisted dying is not part of healthcare practice in the UK. Hospiscare believes the decision around legalising assisted dying is one for society and parliament.
Hospiscare staff will always explore openly, compassionately and with understanding any request from a patient to end their life, to identify and address any underlying fears and concerns. For all patients, whatever their beliefs and preferences, we continuously strive to relieve suffering
and maintain dignity.
We firmly believe it is everyone’s right to have fair and equitable access to specialist palliative care. As an organisation, Hospiscare is committed to supporting improved funding and provision of specialist palliative care services across the UK.
Our mission is to provide compassionate, expert end of life care before, during and after death. Together with our local community, we make every day matter.
Hospiscare – September 2024