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.
Northern Ireland Assembly’s Committee for Health Report on Access to Palliative Care Services, click on link to view the report (Link)
The appendices of the inquiry Report can be found here.
Press release Health Committee Launches Access to Palliative Care Inquiry Report, click on link to view (Link).
The Department of Health’s response to the Report can be found here.
