Nearly one in five people had no GP contact in their final three months, and many suffered with unmanaged pain and breathlessness.
– Professor Irene Higginson
31 March 2025
Too many miss out on quality palliative care - King's experts call for change
Palliative care in the UK is under pressure, and too many people are missing out. A new BMJ opinion piece by King’s researchers argues it’s time to turn insight into action.
Professor Irene Higginson OBE, Director of the Better Health & Care Hub and clinical doctoral fellow Natalie Ramjeeawon reflect on the potential of a new palliative care commission to spark change in the new BMJ article. While recognising the UK’s pioneering role in the field, they highlight stark inequalities in care that still remain.
In November 2024, the House of Commons passed the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill, prompting the creation of a new parliamentary commission on palliative care. This follows the 2022 Health and Care Act, which finally made palliative care a legal requirement within the NHS.
So, why is access so unequal?
Access to palliative care remains patchy and inconsistent. Local health strategies vary - some make no mention of palliative care at all, while others include it without clear delivery plans. Services can depend heavily on where someone lives.
Care is also often prioritised for those with cancer, leaving people with chronic non-cancer conditions, such as advanced heart or respiratory disease, at a disadvantage.
The authors also highlight the persistent myth that palliative care is only for the very end of life. But research shows early, personalised support can ease symptoms, improve wellbeing, and reduce unnecessary hospital stays.
“Palliative care is a vital, cost-effective component of modern healthcare systems,” said Professor Higginson. “Its holistic approach—addressing physical, psychological, social and spiritual needs—benefits both patients and caregivers, particularly those with chronic conditions who frequently rely on NHS services.”
What needs to change?
Professor Higginson and Ramjeeawon call for better coordination, investment and public awareness to make sure high-quality palliative care reaches everyone who needs it, regardless of background or condition.
The opinion piece underscores the role of palliative care in easing pressure on the NHS, improving quality of life and delivering cost-effective care, especially as the population ages and more people live with complex, long-term conditions.
In this story
Director of Better Health and Care Futures
