Latest news from SPPC
Amendments to Assisted Dying Bill
SPPC is seeking changes to the Assisted Dying for Terminally Ill Adults (Scotland) Bill by encouraging and supporting MSPs to submit relevant amendments and/or by supporting relevant amendments developed by other organisations.
The changes we hope to see reflect the points SPPC has previously raised with the Parliament in written and oral evidence.
SPPC’s suggested amendments focus on:
1. Strengthening safeguards for vulnerable people (as well as specific groups this means potentially anyone towards the end of life).
2. Protecting and promoting the practice and provision of palliative care.
In formulating possible changes SPPC’s primary concern has been the safety of individuals. The resource implications of particular amendments has not shaped SPPC’s approach to the Bill.
You can read more detail of SPPC’s suggested amendments in the documents below:
- An explanation of SPPC’s approach and the intent of its suggested amendments
- The actual amendments lodged by Bob Doris which will be considered by the Health, Social Care and Sport Committee
SPPC Response to Public Health Scotland strategy consultation
SPPC has responded to Public Health Scotland’s consultation on its draft strategy for 2025-2035.
Key points
- The draft PHS strategy currently excludes a significant section of Scotland’s population - those whose health is deteriorating and in irreversible decline.
- This is particularly important given the context of Scotland’s aging population. Regardless of work on prevention, over the next 20 years increasing numbers of people will be living with serious illness and advanced multi-morbidity, and more people will be dying each year.
- Public health approaches can improve the wellbeing of these people.
Key recommendations
- Explicitly mention ‘wellbeing’ alongside ‘health’ within the strategy.
- Consider how a public health approach can improve the wellbeing of people who are seriously ill or dying.
- Be clear within the strategy that a public health approach incorporates efforts across the whole life course
- Adopt an “end of life” lens in PHS when gathering and analysing data to support more effective policy-making.
The full response can be viewed here: SPPC response to PHS Strategy Consultation
SPPC’s response to the Long Term Conditions Strategy Consultation
SPPC has responded to the SG consultation on a new policy framework for long terms conditions.
You can download and read SPPC’s response here.
SPPC Achievements 2024-25
SPPC has published an Annual Report Summary 2024-25, highlighting key achievements and pieces of work over the last year.
Annual Conference 2025: From System Holes to Whole System
Catch up with colleagues from across Scotland and make new connections at the Scottish Partnership for Palliative Care Annual Conference. Hear new and challenging perspectives, take part in interactive sessions and be energised and inspired.
The conference will take place at the John McIntyre Conference Centre, Edinburgh on 12 November 2025.
Exploring a whole system approach
As someone approaches the end of life they may need a range of supports – from health services, from social care services, from the welfare system, and from family, friends and their communities. Over the course of the day we will explore how this complex web of supports can work more effectively as a system to improve people’s experiences of living with serious illness, dying and bereavement.
Speakers
We have a range of speakers bringing perspectives and expertise from across the system. Check out the list of confirmed speakers here: SPPC Annual Conference - From system holes to whole system
Early Bird Bookings
Book before 18 August to receive our Early Bird rate: Find out more and book tickets here
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