Can Private Organizations Provide End-of-Life Care?

The upcoming decision by the Senedd on the San Steffan measure regarding assisted dying is of significant importance for Wales. This legislation could enable non-NHS organisations to provide end-of-life support even if the Senedd rejects it, according to Jeremy Miles, the Welsh Health Secretary. The implications of this decision extend beyond legalities, impacting how such services might be accessed by patients across Wales.

Last updated: 24 February 2024 (BST)

What’s happening now

This week, members of the Senedd will vote on whether to approve the San Steffan measure that allows adults with terminal illnesses to end their lives with assistance. The current debate raises critical questions about the provision of assisted dying services in Wales, especially in light of the potential for private organisations to fill the gap if the Senedd does not act. The decision is particularly pressing, with the vote scheduled for Tuesday, 27 February 2024.

Key takeaways

The Senedd is set to vote on legislation concerning assisted dying.
If rejected, assisted dying services may only be available through private organisations.
The legislation's implications extend beyond the vote, affecting future policy and regulation in Wales.

Timeline: how we got here

Here's a brief timeline of key events leading up to the current situation:

October 2024: The Senedd votes against the principle of assisted dying legislation.
February 2024: The Senedd is set to vote on the San Steffan measure, which would allow assisted dying under certain conditions.

What’s new vs what’s known

New today/this week

This week, Jeremy Miles highlighted the possibility that if the Senedd rejects the San Steffan measure, the UK Parliament could still proceed with implementing provisions that might not allow the Welsh Government to regulate assisted dying services effectively. There is a strong focus on how the vote could shape future policy in Wales.

What was already established

Previously, the Senedd had voted against assisted dying in October 2024. However, the current legislation is now being discussed in the House of Lords, where amendments are being considered. Supporters of the measure are concerned that it may not receive the necessary approval to proceed.

Impact for the UK

Consumers and households

The potential outcomes of this legislation could greatly affect patients with terminal illnesses in Wales. If the Senedd rejects the measure, access to assisted dying could become limited, potentially creating inequalities between those who can afford private services and those relying on the NHS.

Businesses and jobs

Should private organisations be permitted to provide assisted dying services, this could lead to the emergence of new businesses in the healthcare sector in Wales. However, concerns remain regarding the quality and regulation of such services, especially if they are not overseen by the NHS.

Policy and regulation

With the Senedd's power to regulate healthcare, the outcome of this vote will significantly influence how assisted dying services are structured. If the measure is rejected, the UK Parliament may still implement changes that could bypass Welsh legislative authority.

Numbers that matter

24 February 2024: The date set for the vote in the Senedd.
October 2024: The month when the previous vote against assisted dying took place.
Up to 200: Potential patients who could be affected annually by the availability of assisted dying services in Wales.

Definitions and jargon buster

Assisted dying: The practice of providing a person with the means to end their own life, typically in the context of terminal illness.
San Steffan measure: Legislation proposed in the UK Parliament related to assisted dying.

How to think about the next steps

Near term (0–4 weeks)

Following the vote on 27 February, immediate discussions will likely focus on the implications of the decision for patients and healthcare providers in Wales.

Medium term (1–6 months)

Depending on the outcome, there may be further debates and potential amendments to the legislation as it moves through Parliament, especially if the measure is approved.

Signals to watch

The outcome of the vote on 27 February 2024.
Reactions from health professionals and patient advocacy groups following the decision.
Any proposed amendments to the legislation in the House of Lords.

Practical guidance

Do

Stay informed about the upcoming vote and its implications for healthcare in Wales.
Engage with local advocacy groups to express your views on assisted dying.

Don’t

Assume that the outcome will not affect you or your loved ones; the implications could be far-reaching.
Ignore the importance of the discussions happening in the Senedd and House of Lords.

Checklist

Understand the key points of the San Steffan measure.
Consider how assisted dying could impact you or your community.
Follow updates from the Senedd and other relevant organisations.

Risks, caveats, and uncertainties

There are significant uncertainties surrounding the outcome of the vote and the potential implementation of assisted dying services in Wales. The reaction of the UK Parliament and the future legislative landscape could drastically alter the current provisions, highlighting the need for ongoing scrutiny and advocacy.

Bottom line

The decision regarding the San Steffan measure could have profound implications for how assisted dying is managed in Wales. As the vote approaches, it is crucial for stakeholders to engage with the process and understand the potential outcomes, ensuring that the voices of those affected are heard.

FAQs

What is the San Steffan measure?

The San Steffan measure is a piece of legislation proposed in the UK Parliament that seeks to allow assisted dying under certain circumstances for adults with terminal illnesses.

Why is the vote in the Senedd important?

The vote is important because it will determine whether the Welsh Government can regulate assisted dying services and how these services will be structured in Wales.

What happens if the Senedd rejects the measure?

If the Senedd rejects the measure, assisted dying services may still be available through private organisations, leading to potential inequalities in access for patients in Wales.