The national conversation around the topic of assisted dying has become more active in recent weeks.  Many people will see a closeness of this topic with the nature of our care and support and may have questions about where we stand on it.  Today I am sharing our current postion on the topic.

At St Wilfrid’s Hospice, we recognise that there will be a range of views on assisted dying in our society. This will include those we support, and our staff and volunteers. We acknowledge that it is a complex and emotive issue, and that people may have strong opinions.

Assisted dying is not currently legal. It’s not our role at St Wilfrid’s to either support or oppose a change in the law. Rather, in line with our vision, our goal is to ensure that everyone is enabled to live well at the end of life.

We believe the most important thing is that everyone can access high-quality palliative care that is right for them. Regardless of any decision on changing the law. We, with other hospices, provide expert care that helps people to have comfort and dignity at the end of their lives.

We believe that the assisted dying discussion must also look at how we make good palliative care accessible to everyone. Whoever they are and wherever they live.

At St Wilfrid’s, we hope people will listen to, and try to understand, the different views in the assisted dying debate. This should include, perhaps especially, views different from their own. We will act with respect and fairness in all our communication.