Assisted Dying

The ‘Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill’, proposed last year, is still continuing its Parliamentary progress, with debate in the House of Lords.

We oppose the current bill, despite understanding both sides of the argument and respecting peoples’ autonomy, as we have serious concerns about the risks of coercion for vulnerable older people, and the lack of effective safeguards within the bill currently proposed. In addition we are concerned that the current inadequate end of life care provision across health and social care for all people could become a subtle form of coercion. The Secretary of State has said that he is “not sure as a country that we have the right end of life care available to enable real choice in assisted dying” and his concerns focus on inadequate safeguards for vulnerable people (Wes Streeting, BBC News Oct 24). “Assisted dying is not a choice if care is not yet good enough for everyone” (Prof Keri Thomas, The Spectator, 2025). So, we are working with the Department of Health and Social Care, with the Coalition of Frontline Care and with others to ensure consistent, top-quality end of life care can be available to everyone who needs it.

In a survey of GSF accredited organisations (Oct 24) most respondents were concerned about the potential risks for vulnerable older people, especially those with dementia, frailty or disabilities. About 70% say they do not feel confident the current safeguards are enough to protect vulnerable older people in their care from the possibility of coercion.  

Whilst legislation has not been finalised, the Government, the NHS and other organisations remain neutral. Many respected organisations are opposed to the bill, including the British Geriatrics Society, The Association of Palliative Medicine, and others such as The Royal College of Psychiatrists, The Coalition of Frontline Care and a recent Nuffield Trust Report has stated serious concerns. If it becomes law, there would be further extensive guidance with which all health and care providers and other organisations, including GSF, would be required to comply. Meanwhile, at GSF, we continue to work hard to ensure more people can receive top-quality ‘gold standard’ care as they near the end of life.