WEST WORCESTERSHIRE MP Dame Harriett Baldwin has shown her backing for palliative care after meeting with hospice charity Marie Curie.
The MP is a strong supporter of local hospices and reiterated their importance amidst recent unsuccessful efforts to legalise assisted dying for the terminally ill.
Meeting with Marie Curie’s Toby North at the Conservative Party Conference in Birmingham, Dame Harriett highlighted the funding pressures facing the hospice sector resulting from Government policies.
Dame Harriett said: “It was a privilege as always to speak with Marie Curie at this year’s conference. Our hospices’ staff and volunteers work tirelessly to support people with life-limiting conditions and their families.
“Unfortunately, actions taken by the current Government has made it harder for them to do that.
“Minimum Wage, National Insurance, Business Rates and energy cost rises have all affected hospices’ ability to deliver care. Marie Curie was hit with a £3 million bill when Employer’s National Insurance was increased.
“With the ongoing debate around assisted suicide, it is just as important as ever that we protect dignity in end-of-life care. I will continue to speak up for charities like Marie Curie and call on the Government to back hospices.”
