News

Updated 25 July 2024

On 22 May 2024 Jersey’s States Assembly voted in favour of setting up an assisted dying service in Jersey for islanders with terminal illness and neurodegenerative diseases. The proposal to include the legalisation of an assisted death for those with incurable conditions causing them “unbearable suffering” was not approved. The full detail of the proposal and the next steps likely to follow are available on the Government of Jersey website.

Since 2021, Jersey Hospice Care has acknowledged the assisted dying debate taking place in Jersey, we were fully engaged with the public consultation process that took place and remain in regular contact with the Government of Jersey. We welcome an open and honest debate on all aspects of care offered to those with a chronic and long-term illness, particularly those approaching the end of life. We believe it is important to talk about access to good and well-resourced palliative care and are encouraged by the dialogue and the clear commitment by Government of Jersey to providing islanders with the best palliative care and end of life services. This is evidenced in the collaborative work undertaken to create the island’s first ever Palliative and End of Life Care Strategy in 2023.

We have and will continue to actively support dedicated professionals providing palliative care in care homes, the hospital and in the community. We support and encourage investment in education and care throughout the whole healthcare system that alleviates suffering, promotes listening and communication, through skilled, evidence-based interventions, meeting the personal, physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of the person.

Now that the proposal to change the law relating to assisted dying in Jersey has been approved, we believe that very careful consideration will need to be given to the effect it will have on anyone with a life-limiting condition, their care and the treatment choices offered to them, at a time when they are at their most vulnerable, and on those important to them.

As a Hospice, we believe that there is a very clear boundary between palliative and end of life care and assisted dying. The focus of Jersey Hospice Care now and tomorrow will always be about the living and living well. When the time comes to die naturally, all patients and those important to them should be made aware of the options for palliative care and should be offered an assessment of their individual needs to make sure that appropriate palliative care is being provided.

Our priority will always be the patient and the family regardless of any choices they may make around assisted dying. At this time though we do not anticipate playing any part in delivering an assisted death.