Death is a natural part of life, yet access to good palliative and end of life care is not equal across the UK. More than 500,000 people die each year in England and Wales, and this number is expected to rise significantly by 2040 (Office for National Statistics, 2025). Most people will need some level of palliative care during their lives, but many currently struggle to access the support they need.

Recent evidence shows widespread concern about access to services, particularly in rural and community settings. Hospices and community services are under increasing financial pressure, and provision varies across the four nations (Hospice UK, 2026). This can mean people do not receive care close to home or in the setting of their choice.

There is also a need to strengthen knowledge and skills across the nursing workforce so that high-quality end of life care can be delivered in all settings across health and care.

While debates continue across the UK about assisted dying, it is vital that everyone has access to high-quality palliative and end of life care.

Nursing staff play a central role in delivering and advocating for this care (Royal College of Nursing, 2025). This resolution calls for coordinated action to ensure fair access, sustainable funding, and a workforce equipped to meet growing need across all four nations.

References

Hospice UK (2026) Nearly six in ten hospices have made or are considering frontline cuts. Available at: hospiceuk.org/latest-from-hospice-uk/nearly-six-ten-hospices-have-made-or-are-considering-frontline-cuts (Accessed 14 April 2026).

Office for National Statistics (2025) Death registration summary statistics, England and Wales: 2024. Available at: ons.gov.uk/peoplepopulationandcommunity/birthsdeathsandmarriages/deaths/bulletins/deathregistrationsummarystatisticsenglandandwales/2024 (Accessed 14 April 2026).

Royal College of Nursing (2025) Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill: Written evidence submitted by the Royal College of Nursing (TIAB102). Available at: publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm5901/cmpublic/TerminallyIllAdults/memo/TIAB102.htm (Accessed 14 April 2026).