A Delicate Conversation: Sharing Our Survey Insights on Assisted Dying
As the CEO of Rotherham Hospice , I believe it is essential to engage openly in conversations about the sensitive and complex subject of assisted dying. With the Assisted Dying Bill due for a vote in Parliament today, our hospice has taken the step to explore the perspectives of our staff team on this delicate matter.
To ensure that the voices of those working in end-of-life care are heard, we conducted an internal survey to gather their views. The results were shared with all Members of Parliament representing Rotherham, providing them with the unique insights of our team to help inform their decision-making in today’s vote.
The survey invited all staff at Rotherham Hospice to share their views on the subject of assisted dying. The questions explored both personal and professional perspectives, potential implications for hospice care, the right to opt out, and safeguards that might be necessary if the legislation were to change.
We received thoughtful, heartfelt responses, reflecting the depth of consideration our staff bring to their roles. Their insights were varied, nuanced, and deeply reflective of the complexities surrounding this issue.
Personal Perspectives
The survey revealed that 72.58% of our team support or strongly support a change in the law to legalise assisted dying. Respondents highlighted the importance of dignity, autonomy, and patient choice as driving factors behind their stance.
One team member shared:
"Dying should be with dignity. If it were me, I would want someone to support my choice. But we must also consider how we support families and the wider care team."
However, 16.13% of respondents remain neutral or unsure, reflecting the moral and ethical complexity of the subject. A smaller percentage, 11.29%, expressed opposition, emphasising the sanctity of life and concerns about ethical dilemmas.
One opposing respondent noted:
"We must remain committed to care and comfort, not actively ending life. The potential for misuse, even with safeguards, is deeply troubling."
Professional Perspectives in Hospice Care
When asked whether assisted dying could have a place within hospice care, the responses were more divided.
Those in support noted the potential alignment with patient-centred care, while others raised concerns about the potential impact on the hospice's core mission of palliative care.
One respondent shared:
"It could provide relief for patients experiencing unbearable suffering, but it challenges the fundamental ethos of hospice care. Striking this balance would be difficult."
Desire for the Right to Opt Out
A striking finding from the survey was the overwhelming support for healthcare professionals to have the choice to opt out of involvement in assisted dying.
One staff member commented:
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"This is such a personal and emotional issue. No one should be forced to take part in a process they do not believe in, but equally, patients should not be denied support if they choose it."
This perspective highlights the importance of safeguarding professional autonomy and ensuring that no healthcare worker is compelled to act against their personal or professional beliefs.
Anticipated Benefits and Challenges
Respondents highlighted both the potential benefits and significant challenges of legalising assisted dying:
One respondent remarked:
"Providing more options for patients could empower them to approach end-of-life with less fear and greater control."
Another respondent reflected:
"The emotional and ethical burden on staff could be immense. Ensuring safeguards would be critical but challenging to enforce."
The Importance of Safeguards
Our team unanimously agreed that robust safeguards would be essential if assisted dying were legalised. Key suggestions included:
One respondent emphasised:
"Safeguards must protect both patients and staff. Decisions must be made independently and legally verified to ensure integrity and compassion."
Engaging MPs in the Discussion
This survey was conducted not only to explore our staff’s perspectives but also to provide MPs representing Rotherham with valuable insights ahead of today’s vote. We have shared the full results of the survey with our local MPs to help inform their decision-making.
We hope that these findings will offer them a clearer understanding of the views from those at the forefront of end-of-life care and contribute to the broader national debate on this issue.
As we await the outcome of today’s Parliamentary vote, I am immensely proud of the thoughtful and compassionate way in which our team has engaged with this complex topic. The results of this survey reflect the diversity of views within Rotherham Hospice and underscore the importance of open dialogue in navigating such profound ethical questions.
I extend my gratitude to our staff for their candour and willingness to explore this sensitive issue. Their insights not only inform the national conversation but also remind us of the humanity at the heart of our work.
To our community, partners, and policymakers: the discussion does not end with today’s vote. I encourage ongoing reflection, engagement, and dialogue as we continue to explore how best to serve those facing the end of life with compassion, dignity, and respect.
A really interesting and thought-provoking read Mat Cottle-Shaw. The thoughts and deliberations of your team highlight the complexity of this important subject and, rightly, the nuance of the debate.
Deputy CEO & Director of Patient Care & Communities at Princess Alice Hospice
3 个月Thank you so much for sharing this - a great approach, and is helping as we look to engage and support our own colleagues to allow all opinions and voices to be heard.
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3 个月A really good approach and thanks for sharing.
A strategic mission and impact driven Chief Executive and experienced non-executive director
3 个月This is an excellent and considered approach to engaging staff on this issue. Hospice staff views almost exactly split as per public opinion. I've always thought this is probably broadly true across our sector although often it is the voices of oppostion that have been loudest. Well done for bringing the different perspectives into the open.