The UK’s palliative care system is under significant strain and must become a government priority as the assisted dying bill progresses through Parliament. Senior healthcare experts warn that the limited resources available for end-of-life care could be further stretched by the costs associated with implementing assisted dying. Once a global leader in palliative care, the UK now struggles to provide sufficient support for its ageing population, leaving thousands without access to adequate services.

Around 100,000 people annually are unable to receive proper palliative care, with many families unhappy about the support provided to loved ones at the end of life. Hospitals and hospices are particularly under pressure, with only a third of hospice funding coming from the NHS, forcing reliance on charitable donations. Furthermore, four in ten hospitals lack seven-day access to specialist palliative care services, leaving gaps in crucial care provision.

While proponents of the assisted dying bill argue that legalising the practice could lead to improvements in palliative care, critics warn this is not guaranteed. They highlight concerns that NHS resources are finite, and implementing assisted dying may detract from funding and focus needed to fix the current system. Greater coordination across hospitals, community teams, and hospices, as well as enhanced training for healthcare staff, is urgently required.

Amid the debate, calls are growing for an independent commission to assess and reform the UK’s end-of-life care system. Advocates stress the importance of sustainable funding and a comprehensive strategy to address the palliative care crisis. Without immediate action, the system risks failing the most vulnerable patients, leaving many without the compassionate care they deserve.

Plans for a new men’s health strategy have been revealed by the UK government, aiming to address key issues impacting men throughout their lives. Health Secretary Wes Streeting highlighted priorities such as tackling mental health challenges, reducing suicide rates, and improving early detection of conditions like heart disease and prostate cancer. The detailed strategy is expected to be released next year and aims to close the health gap between men and women.

At a summit organised in collaboration with the Premier League, Arsenal FC, and Movember, Streeting described the unique challenges facing men today. He noted the rising rates of mental ill health and stressed the urgent need to address preventable deaths, particularly among men under 50. He also acknowledged the role of social media in creating unrealistic body image expectations for men, compounding stress and low self-esteem. Men, on average, live shorter lives than women and are disproportionately affected by serious health conditions, yet they are less likely to seek medical or emotional support.

The government will soon invite input from organisations and individuals to help shape this strategy, ensuring it meets the needs of men across the country. Public contributions will be sought through a consultation process, with men encouraged to share ideas on how the NHS can better support them in the future. Streeting emphasised that investing in men’s health complements, rather than detracts from, the essential progress already made in women’s health initiatives.

Michelle Terry, CEO of Movember, welcomed the announcement, noting that improving men’s health has far-reaching benefits. She explained how healthier men positively influence families, workplaces, and communities, creating a ripple effect across society. This approach, she added, could not only transform individual lives but also contribute to a healthier and more connected nation.