England’s palliative care services deemed ‘inadequate’ in major report

Health & FitnessLifestyle
24 Mar 2026 • 4:27 PM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

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  • A report by MPs from the Health and Social Care Committee reveals that dying people across the UK face a "postcode lottery" in end-of-life care.
  • The report deems palliative and end-of-life care services in England "inadequate" and under "significant pressure", citing issues such as funding struggles, a declining workforce, and an unsustainable funding model.
  • Committee chairwoman Layla Moran highlighted the "heartbreaking reality" for patients and families struggling to access specialist care, particularly for children.
  • The committee has called for specific standards for children's palliative care, 24/7 services nationwide, and a plan to strengthen the specialist workforce in the sector.
  • Separately, a Dementia UK report indicates that people with dementia are "missing out" on timely and coordinated palliative care due to gaps in early planning and a lack of professional confidence and training.

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