‘IT’S about time’ – that is the verdict of a Coventry and Warwickshire hospice charity on MPs voting in favour of the legalisation of assisted dying in England and Wales.
The Myton Hospices has released a statement after MPs voted last week to support the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill.
A spokesperson said: “The Myton Hospices welcome the spotlight that the Assisted Dying debate has shone on Palliative and End of Life Care in the UK and would say it’s about time.
“Assisted Dying is not the only option to preventing people dying in pain – Hospices across the UK have been helping terminally ill patients to control their pain and providing excellent End of Life care tor decades.
“But, despite a number of governments and prime ministers appearing to recognise the value of hospice care, there has been a woeful lack of response to what has now become a crisis.
“Across the UK Hospices have empty beds and are reducing their at home services because of a lack of funding and quite frankly Myton think this is totally unacceptable not to say unethical.
“Hospices must receive more funding and quickly. Every day there is a delay means more people will die in pain which could be controlled with the right care.
“Good Palliative and End of Life care should not be a lottery – everyone should be able to access it.
“Hospices are best placed to do this and are ready when funding becomes available – The Myton Hospices definitely are.”
