Overview

This bill aims to improve access to palliative care for adults and children in England, ensuring consistent provision of services and fair access to pharmaceutical resources for hospices. It also introduces a mediation process before court applications regarding medical treatment for children with life-limiting illnesses.

Description

Palliative Care Access

The bill mandates NHS commissioners to provide access to specialist and generalist palliative care services, including hospital, community, and home-based care, for all ages. It requires that hospices receive pharmaceutical services on par with other NHS-commissioned services. The bill aims to reduce inequalities in access to palliative care.

Treatment of Children with Life-Limiting Illnesses

Before any court application concerning medical treatment for a child with a life-limiting illness, mediation between healthcare providers and those with parental responsibility or an interest in the child's welfare is required. Exceptions apply for urgent situations or if mediation is impossible due to the actions of those responsible for the child. The court will assume treatment proposals from parents are in the child's best interest unless proven otherwise. However, this does not force doctors or healthcare bodies to provide treatment against their reasonable judgment.

Government Spending

The bill doesn't specify exact figures for increased government spending. However, it is expected to lead to increased costs associated with expanding access to palliative care services, including staffing, medication, and resources for mediation processes.

Groups Affected

Adults and children needing palliative care: Improved access to services and potentially better quality of life.
Hospices: Easier access to pharmaceutical services, potentially improving financial stability.
NHS commissioners: Increased responsibilities in ensuring palliative care provision and managing resources.
Families of children with life-limiting illnesses: The mediation process may reduce conflict and offer more support in making difficult decisions regarding medical treatment.
Healthcare professionals: Increased workload in some cases, potentially the need for additional training or support in palliative care.

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