Latest news with #palliativeCare
News.com.au
5 hours ago
- Health
- News.com.au
UK MPs vote in favour of assisted dying bill in historic step
Britain's parliament took a historic step towards allowing euthanasia on Friday when MPs backed contentious legislation that would introduce assisted dying for terminally ill people. Lawmakers in the lower House of Commons chamber voted 314 in favour to 291 to send the proposal to the upper House of Lords for further scrutiny following four hours of emotional debate. The outcome sparked celebrations among supporters gathered outside parliament who say legalised euthanasia will give people with an incurable illness dignity and choice at the end of their lives. But opponents attending a neighbouring counter-protest said they feared vulnerable people could be coerced into dying and urged lawmakers to focus on improving palliative care instead. The Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill would allow assisted suicide in England and Wales for adults who have been given less than six months to live. They would have to be able to administer the life-ending substance themselves, and any patient's wish to die would have to be signed off by two doctors and a panel of experts. A change in the law would see Britain emulate several other countries in Europe and elsewhere that allow some form of assisted dying, including Belgium and the Netherlands. - 'Heartbreaking stories' - Labour MP Kim Leadbeater, who proposed the legislation, told Friday's so-called third reading debate that a law change would "offer a compassionate and safe choice" for terminally ill people. She said maintaining the status quo would mean more "heartbreaking stories" of "pain and trauma, suicide attempts, PTSD, lonely trips to Switzerland, (and) police investigations". But Vicky Foxcroft, also of Labour, said the proposal did not include adequate safeguards for disabled people. "We have to protect those people who are susceptible to coercion, who already feel like society doesn't value them, who often feel like a burden to the state, society and their family," she pleaded. Outside parliament, protesters waved placards with slogans including "Let us choose" and "Don't make doctors killers". David Walker, 82, said he supported changing the law because he saw his wife of 60 years suffer for three years at the end of her life. "That's why I'm here, because I can't help her anymore, but I can help other people who are going through the same thing, because if you have no quality of life, you have nothing," he told AFP. But Elizabeth Burden, a 52-year-old doctor, said she feared the legislation would open "slippery slope" where those eligible for assisted dying expands. "Once we allow this. Everything will slip down because dementia patients, all patients... are vulnerable," she told AFP. - Public support - MPs in the 650-seat parliament backed an earlier version of the proposed legislation by 330 to 275 votes at an initial vote in parliament last November, a larger majority than Friday's 23. Since then the bill has undergone several changes, including applying a ban on adverts for assisted dying and allowing all health workers to opt out of helping someone end their life. MPs added a safeguard which would prevent a person being eligible "solely as a result of voluntarily stopping eating or drinking", ruling out people with anorexia. Britain's medical community and Prime Minister Keir Starmer's top ministerial team are split on the proposed law change. Starmer voted in favour, while his health and justice secretaries opposed it. But in a YouGov poll of 2,003 adults, surveyed last month and published Thursday, 73 percent or respondents backed an assisted dying law. "Change is coming," hailed Sarah Wootton, chief executive of the Dignity in Dying campaign group. But Catherine Robinson of Right To Life UK insisted the bill "still faces an uphill battle" to get through the Lords and her opposition campaign group "will be fighting it at every stage" to prevent it becoming law. The House of Lords now needs to approve the legislation before the end of the current parliamentary year, likely in the autumn, or the bill will fail. If it passes and receives royal assent, it would still be four years before an assisted dying service was implemented. A government impact assessment published this month estimated that approximately 160 to 640 assisted deaths could take place in the first year, rising to a possible 4,500 in a decade. Assisted suicide currently carries a maximum prison sentence of 14 years in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. Separate legislation is going through the devolved Scottish parliament. At the end of March, the Isle of Man became the first British territory to pass an assisted dying bill.
South China Morning Post
6 hours ago
- Health
- South China Morning Post
UK lawmakers back assisted dying law in historic move
Britain took a historic step towards allowing euthanasia on Friday when MPs backed contentious legislation that would introduce assisted dying for terminally ill people. Lawmakers in the lower House of Commons chamber voted 314 in favour to 291 to send the proposal to the upper House of Lords for further scrutiny following four hours of emotional debate. The outcome sparked celebrations among supporters gathered outside parliament who say legalised euthanasia will give people with an incurable illness dignity and choice at the end of their lives. But opponents attending a neighbouring counter-protest said they feared vulnerable people could be coerced into dying and urged lawmakers to focus on improving palliative care instead. The Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill would allow assisted suicide in England and Wales for adults who have been given less than six months to live. They would have to be able to administer the life-ending substance themselves, and any patient's wish to die would have to be signed off by two doctors and a panel of experts.
Daily Mail
8 hours ago
- Health
- Daily Mail
Kate breaks her silence after pulling out of Royal Ascot - as she issues poignant statement about a cause close to her heart
The Princess of Wales has released a personal message about a cause close to her heart after pulling out of Royal Ascot earlier this week. Kate, 43, today issued a heartfelt note to mark Children's Hospice Week after deciding not to join her husband Prince William at the Berkshire races as expected on Wednesday. She was said to be 'disappointed' at not attending the famous social and sporting occasion with her husband Prince William and the King and Queen. Today, the Princess released a personal message celebrating the life-changing work children's hospices do and thanking them for the vital care they provide to children and families experiencing the most challenging times. The princess has been Royal Patron of East Anglia Children's Hospices (EACH) since 2012, and in January this year became the Royal Patron of Tŷ Hafan Children's Hospice in South Wales. The highly emotional note, which was signed by the princess, was shared on social media by Tŷ Hafan and children's hospice charity Together for Short Lives, the charity for children's palliative care. Kate said: 'No parent expects to hear that their child has a serious health condition that could shorten their life. 'Sadly, this is the reality faced by thousands of families across the country, leaving them heart-broken, fearful of the future and often desperately isolated. 'Being able to access the support of one of the UK's 54 children's hospices means they don't have to face that future alone.' The mother-of-three had visited the hospice in January - marking her first royal 'away day' since 2023 as part of her slow and steady return to royal duties following her treatment for cancer. Reflecting on her own work with children, she added: 'As Patron of East Anglia's Children's Hospices and Tŷ Hafan Children's Hospice in South Wales, I have the immense privilege of seeing for myself the extraordinary work of our children's hospices. 'Lifting spirits through laughter, fun and play, as well as listening, holding, caring and sharing, they support children and families through life, death and beyond. 'This Children's Hospice Week, I hope you will join me in celebrating the life-changing work they do and thanking them for the vital care they provide to children and families experiencing the most challenging times.' Earlier this week, the Princess of Wales pulled out of attending Royal Ascot at the last minute as she continues to 'find the right balance' following her battle with cancer. Racegoers had been hoping to see the Princess after the Prince of Wales was named as one of the figures awarding race prizes during the second day of the meet. Ascot officials had confirmed at 12pm that the Princess was due to be in the second carriage in the royal procession with William, in a published carriage list. But less than half an hour later, Kensington Palace confirmed just before 12.30pm that Kate would not be attending - and a revised carriage list was published by Ascot. MailOnline understands the Princess was 'disappointed' not to be in attendance 'but she has to find the right balance as she fully returns to public facing engagements'. However, Kate's mother Carole Middleton did attend Ascot, wearing a dress from luxury women's designer ME+EM - alongside her daughter-in-law Alizee Thevenet, the wife of Kate's brother James Middleton. The 43-year-old Princess has been making a gradual return to public duties since it was announced in January that she was in remission from cancer. But in the past week she has attended three high-profile events - Trooping the Colour, the annual Order of the Garter service and a visit to a V&A storage facility in London. The Princess revealed in January she was in remission from cancer after making an emotional return to the specialist cancer institution, the Royal Marsden Hospital in Chelsea, London, where she was treated to comfort fellow patients. She had been receiving chemotherapy for an undisclosed form of cancer since late February last year with the King beginning his cancer care earlier that month following his diagnosis after treatment for an enlarged prostate. Announcing in September her treatment had ended, Kate described in an emotional video message how the previous nine months had been 'incredibly tough for us as a family' and 'doing what I can to stay cancer free is now my focus'. William later said in a separate interview how 2024 had been 'brutal'. In January, Kate 'proudly' announced her new patronage on a visit to south Wales. Arriving at children's hospice Tŷ Hafan. Catherine, 43, donned a checked dress from Zara with pussybow detailing and wore her hair in loose waves hanging down her shoulders, before being greeted by a member of staff. It wasn't long before the princess got stuck in to the visit, as she made a beeline for adorable children who visit the hospice who were using the soft play area. She took part in a musical session with children suffering from life-limiting conditions and even had her hand painted red to leave a permanent memory of her visit - just as King Charles had done years previously. Speaking to a young girl, she asked: 'What do you like doing when you're here?' before she replied to explain she enjoyed music. Kate then asked: 'Have you played any of the instruments?' and picked up a rattle before giving it a little shake. The little girl erupted in giggles and went on to demonstrate her percussion playing on a xylophone. She was overheard discussing 'challenging' times for families as she spoke with parents whose children have received care from the hospice. A source told the Mail at the time: 'When she became the Princess of Wales she and her husband vowed to celebrate and service the dynamic nation that Wales is today. 'I think the Princess choosing a visit to Wales for her second solo engagement of 2025 signals the importance that she places on Wales and the love that she has for the nation and its people.' Tŷ Hafan was the first children's hospice in Wales when it opened in 1999 and provides free care and support both within the hospice itself and in homes and communities. The charity's ambition is that no family should have to experience their child's short life alone, with staff 'walking alongside' every family who needs their support - through life, death and beyond. Holistic care, something that interests Catherine hugely, is a huge part of its ethos, focusing on the physical, emotional, social and spiritual needs of the children in its care. Irfon Rees, Chief Executive of Tŷ Hafan – which translates from Welsh to 'Haven House' in English – said: 'We are deeply honoured that Her Royal Highness The Princess of Wales has become Patron of Tŷ Hafan and it was an absolute pleasure to welcome Her Royal Highness to our hospice for the first time today. 'No parent ever imagines that their child's life will be short. Sadly this is the reality facing thousands of families in Wales. We can't stop this happening, but together we can make sure that no one lives their child's short life alone.' The wellbeing of children and their families has always been close to The Princess' heart, a palace aide said. The first patronage Her Royal Highness took on when she became a Member of The Royal Family was EACH (East Anglia's Children's Hospice) and she maintains a close relationship with the organisation to this day. The Princess is looking forward to building a similar relationship with Tŷ Hafan and the children and families it serves in Wales, they added. As Prince of Wales, King Charles was patron of Tŷ Hafan from 2001. The position was previously held by Diana, Princess of Wales while the charity was in its fundraising stage. Commenting on her patronage on the Kensington Palace X/Twitter account, the Princess said: 'A proud moment becoming Patron of Tŷ Hafan. 'Opening in 1999 as Wales' first children's hospice, Tŷ Hafan continues to provide specialist care to children with life-shortening conditions, offering vital support to them and their families, throughout life, at end of life, and beyond.'
South China Morning Post
9 hours ago
- Health
- South China Morning Post
UK MPs vote in favour of assisted dying law in historic move
Britain took a historic step towards allowing euthanasia on Friday when MPs backed contentious legislation that would introduce assisted dying for terminally ill people. Advertisement Lawmakers in the lower House of Commons chamber voted 314 in favour to 291 to send the proposal to the upper House of Lords for further scrutiny following four hours of emotional debate. The outcome sparked celebrations among supporters gathered outside parliament who say legalised euthanasia will give people with an incurable illness dignity and choice at the end of their lives. But opponents attending a neighbouring counter-protest said they feared vulnerable people could be coerced into dying and urged lawmakers to focus on improving palliative care instead. The Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill would allow assisted suicide in England and Wales for adults who have been given less than six months to live. Advertisement They would have to be able to administer the life-ending substance themselves, and any patient's wish to die would have to be signed off by two doctors and a panel of experts.
The Independent
10 hours ago
- Health
- The Independent
NHS health professionals fear palliative care after Harold Shipman murders
An MP has claimed that health care professionals in the NHS are cautious about administering palliative care following the Harold Shipman murders. Speaking during the assisted dying bill debate in the House of Commons on Friday (20 June), Sir Edward Leigh urged his fellow MPs to take a 'pause' and ask the Health Department on 'whether it is possible to have decent palliative care'. 'There's no doubt that in recent years, particularly since Shipman, there has been a fear amongst many health professionals in the NHS about providing that degree of hugely effective modern drugs,' he said. Shipman was an English doctor who murdered about 250 of his patients between the 1970s and 1990s, who died when he injected many of them with lethal doses of diamorphine.
