Statement on Assisted Dying

St Michael’s recognises that the views of staff, volunteers and trustees will reflect the full spectrum of views on assisted dying that exist in society.
We understand that people have strong opinions on this sensitive and emotive issue.

It’s not our role at St Michael’s to either support or oppose a change in the law. Rather, in line with our vision our priority is to ensure that everyone in Herefordshire and the surrounding areas have access to the best possible palliative care and support at the time and place they need it.

We believe that universal, appropriate, and high-quality palliative care for all must be a priority regardless of any decision on changing the law. Alongside other hospices, we provide expert care that helps people to have comfort and dignity at the end of their lives. But demand for palliative care is growing quickly, and so all hospices must be supported to make sure everyone can get the care they need, when they need it.

We believe that the assisted dying debate must include discussion about how we can make good palliative care available and accessible to everyone, whoever they are and wherever they live.

At St Michael’s we hope that people will listen to and attempt to understand the different opinions in the debate about assisted dying, including and perhaps especially views different to their own.

Updated by the St Michael’s Hospice Strategic Management Team.
Statement to be reviewed annually or if the law changes.