Scottish Catholic Observer

A prospective law that seeks to ensure high quality end of life care for all Scots has reached a vital stage of its passage through the Scottish parliament. The Palliative Care (Scotland) Bill,  introduced by Gil Paterson MSP (above right), today went before the Health and Sport Committee for scrutiny the first time.

The committee’s call for evidence over the summer reveals 54 per cent of respondents agreeing with the principle of the bill, 34 per cent disagreeing and 10 per cent who did not make their position clear. The same report, prepared by research specialists from the Scottish Parliament Information Centre (SPICe), revealed similar support of the main provision of the bill, with 52.9 per cent agreeing, 35.7 per cent disagreeing and 12.9 per cent who did not make their position clear.

The main provision of the bill places a statutory duty on Scottish Ministers to provide palliative care for those with life-limiting conditions and their family members and to set up reporting arrangements so that provision can be monitored by Scottish Ministers and the Parliament.

Previously, in the public consultation stage of the bill’s progress, it received backing from nearly two-thirds of respondents while almost a third of MSPs signed up to support its introduction.

Speaking ahead of the first evidence session to the Health and Sport Committee, Mr Paterson, said he was delighted with the support his bill had received.

“Support for my Bill is gaining ground with a wide cross section of opinion and a consistent majority in favour both in principle and for the Bill’s main provisions,” he said. “I sense that momentum is with us and that Scotland will take a lead in Europe by putting the provision of palliative care on a statutory footing, benefiting all people with life-limiting conditions, and their families, in all parts of the country.”