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Motion · S6M-20851 · 18 Feb 2026

Addressing the Crisis of Unmet Palliative Care Need

Lodged by Alex Rowley Standard Motion 20 supporters

The motion

That the Parliament welcomes the new national analysis from Marie Curie, Unmet Need for Palliative Care in Scotland; understands that this research uses a new methodology developed through the DUECare Project, involving King’s College London, Hull York Medical School, and the University of Edinburgh; believes that the findings provide a more accurate baseline for the country, showing that almost one in three people in Scotland die with unmet palliative care needs; understands that according to this research, "unmet palliative care need" is measured as a person with life-limiting illness experiencing significant unaddressed symptoms or concerns alongside inadequate access to GP services; considers the report’s findings that approximately 18,500 people in Scotland die each year without the support they require; believes that Scotland faces a widening gap between the care people need at the end of life and what the current system provides; considers that to bridge this gap, palliative care must be established as a right that can be realised, and notes the call that the next Scottish Government must commit to and legislate to deliver a Right to Palliative Care to ensure equitable, person centred support for all, and to drive sustainable resourcing of palliative care and incentivise investment in community care.

Supporters (20)

Source: the Scottish Parliament motions and amendments record.