In Plain English
AI-generatedThe bill would require palliative care to be provided to people suffering from a terminal illness. It would also include related provisions to support how that care is planned, delivered, and overseen.
Key Points
- Creates a legal duty on healthcare providers to deliver palliative care to terminally ill patients.
- Includes connected provisions to support delivery, standards and oversight.
- Applies to palliative care across the NHS, hospices and other care services.
- Sets out the policy aim to improve access to high-quality palliative care for those nearing the end of life.
- Currently at the Commons’ Second Reading, where the general principles are debated.
Progress
The bill is at the Second Reading in the House of Commons. If it progresses, it would move to detailed examination in committee.
Who is affected?
People with terminal illnessesTheir families and carersPalliative care professionals and teams (including NHS palliative care teams and hospices)Hospitals, clinics and other healthcare organisations delivering palliative carePublic health bodies and health service commissioners involved in funding and commissioning palliative care
Generated 21 February 2026
