Health Committee Launches Access to Palliative Care Inquiry Report

Session: Session currently unavailable

Date: 02 December 2025

Reference: CfH 02/25/26

The Assembly's Health Committee has launched a report into the findings of its Inquiry on Access to Palliative Care Services in Northern Ireland.

The report has 27 recommendations, including immediate investment in palliative and end of life care, a move towards providing 100% funding to hospices, and investment in out-of-hours services. The report also recommends the appointment of a clinical lead to oversee palliative care and proposes improvements to services in rural areas.

The Inquiry was begun by the Health Committee in June 2024 after concerns were raised that hospices were experiencing significant funding challenges and that many patients, families and carers were missing out on palliative and end of life care (PEOLC) services.

Between June 2024 and June 2025, the Committee held 22 evidence sessions with a wide range of individuals, families and carers as well as the five Health and Social Care Trusts, the NI Hospice Alliance, the All Ireland Institute of Palliative and Hospice Care, and organisations representing GPs and community pharmacists.

The Committee also visited hospices in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland and hosted a Lived Experience Forum in Parliament Buildings, at which relatives and carers of people who received palliative care shared their testimonies.

The Chair of the Health Committee, Philip McGuigan MLA, said:

"Palliative care is part of the human right to health and should be delivered through person-centred, integrated health services that respect the unique needs and preferences of each individual, at a time when it is needed. We are grateful to those individuals who shared their views and experiences with us, and we value the knowledge and insights provide by healthcare professionals who contributed to the Inquiry. It is clear that change is needed, and resources must be invested into a strategic plan to ensure consistent, high-quality care, no matter where someone lives. We hope that the recommendations of our Inquiry will be considered by the Health Minister and officials in his Department, so that people in their final days can enjoy precious time with friends and family, being free from pain, in surroundings where they feel most comfortable."

Christine Campbell from the Macmillan Cancer Experience Panel was diagnosed with ovarian cancer in 2021 and was one of those who shared her experiences with the Committee.

She said: "It was hugely important for me to contribute to this Inquiry, because I wanted to dispel some of the myths and stigma around palliative care - for example, it is available for people who have any life-limiting diagnosis, and is not solely for cancer patients. I also feel that palliative care services and support do not take place solely in hospital settings, but should be more widely available in community settings. Palliative care is supporting me to live my life to the best of my abilities, despite my prognosis. I would encourage anyone impacted by a terminal diagnosis to talk to friends and family, as well as healthcare professionals, so that you have choices and control of your own palliative care journey."

Toby Porter, CEO of Hospice UK commented: "We welcome these important recommendations to improve palliative and end of life care in Northern Ireland. Too many children and adults still face unequal access to the specialist support they need, with serious consequences for them, their families, and communities. Palliative care is a human right, not a privilege, and hospices play a vital role in bridging gaps in provision and bring decades of expertise and deep local knowledge. We now urge the Health Minister to implement the recommendations in full and at pace. With sustainable funding, a supported workforce, and strong partnership across the health system, we can ensure that every person with a life-limiting condition in Northern Ireland receives the compassionate, high-quality care they deserve."

Karen Charnley, CEO of the All-Ireland Institute of Hospice and Palliative Care (AIIHPC) added: "AIIHPC welcomes today's report, and we acknowledge the commitment of the Health Committee in carrying out this Inquiry into palliative care services. We were grateful to have the opportunity to contribute. Palliative and hospice care is at the heart of every community, and every community needs the support of those services now and in the future as evidenced by the growing need which is predicted to increase by 31% in Northern Ireland by 2040. It is essential that the report's recommendations are implemented in order to meet these growing needs. AIIHPC is committed to supporting our member organisations as they continue to strive to collaborate and deliver excellent palliative care services at the right time and right place to all those who need it and their families."

ENDS

 

Attending the launch event were (from left) Christine Campbell, advocate for palliative care services; Trevor McCartney, CEO NI Hospice and Children’s Hospice; Philip McGuigan, Health Committee Chair; and Alan Sheppard of the Lived Experience Forum.

Attending the launch event were (from left) Christine Campbell, advocate for palliative care services; Trevor McCartney, CEO NI Hospice and Children’s Hospice; Philip McGuigan, Health Committee Chair; and Alan Sheppard of the Lived Experience Forum. 

 

 

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Email: maureen.heaney@niassembly.gov.uk phone: 028 9052 5938.

Notes to Editors