As MPs debate the Assisted Dying Bill today, Farleigh Hospice is joining fellow end-of-life care organisations in calling for urgent and sustained investment in palliative and end-of-life care across England.
Farleigh Hospice remains neutral on the principle of assisted dying. Whatever the outcome of the parliamentary debate, we believe that every person living with a life-limiting illness should have access to high-quality, compassionate care, support and choice at the end of life.
Michelle Kabia, Chief Executive of Farleigh Hospice, said:
“This debate rightly raises important and deeply personal questions about choice, dignity and what matters most to people at the end of their lives. But alongside this debate, we must not lose sight of the urgent need to ensure that everyone has access to the care and support they need when they are living with a life-limiting illness.
“At Farleigh Hospice, we see every day the difference that compassionate palliative and end-of-life care can make to individuals and their families. Yet demand for our services continues to grow at a time when the financial sustainability of hospice care is under significant pressure.
“People should be able to make choices about their care knowing that appropriate palliative and end-of-life care is available to them, wherever they live and whatever their circumstances. Access to that care should not depend on geography, charitable fundraising capacity or whether a hospice can bridge a gap in NHS funding.
“Whatever happens with the Assisted Dying Bill, we need a renewed national commitment to sustainable funding for specialist palliative and end-of-life care. This means the NHS properly funding the specialist care it commissions, providing fair and sustainable multi-year funding arrangements, and recognising the vital role hospices play alongside NHS services and within our communities.
“The conversation about assisted dying and the conversation about palliative care are distinct, but they cannot be separated from the wider question of how we support people to live well and die well. Everyone deserves access to high-quality care, choice and dignity at the end of life.”
Farleigh Hospice will continue to work collaboratively with the NHS, local partners, other hospices and community organisations across Mid and South Essex to improve access to palliative and end-of-life care and ensure that people receive the right support, in the right place, at the right time.
(Published 11 September 2026)