Nurses to be consulted on the issue of assisted dying, whilst RCN calls for an increase in funding for palliative care
Published: 09 December 2008
Commenting on Margo MacDonald’s call for the legalisation of assisted dying, Chief Executive & General Secretary of the Royal College of Nursing (RCN), Dr. Peter Carter, said:
“Margo MacDonald has raised an incredibly important issue that everyone involved in healthcare should be prepared to discuss in an open and non-judgemental way. Over the coming months, the RCN will be talking to our members about this most complex of issues.
“It must also be made clear that, whether or not the governments in Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland or Westminster make any changes to current policy, they must all step up funding for palliative care. It’s vital that quality, compassionate end of life care is available to everyone across the country but all too often we hear that support, services and advice needed for both patients and their families are not available. Palliative care is about a patient’s dignity and should never be viewed as an optional extra.”
-ends-
Notes to Editors
RCN Congress 2005 was the last time that the College discussed the issue of assisted dying.
For further information, interviews or illustrations please contact the RCN Media Office on 0207 647 3633, press.office@rcn.org.uk or visit http://www.rcn.org.uk/news/mediacentre.php
Royal College of Nursing (RCN) is the voice of nursing across the UK and is the largest professional union of nursing staff in the world. The RCN promotes the interest of nurses and patients on a wide range of issues and helps shape healthcare policy by working closely with the UK Government and other national and international institutions, trade unions, professional bodies and voluntary organisations.