Charity calls for transformation of palliative care services
End of life care in Wales is at breaking point says a leading end of life charity- with almost a fifth of hospital beds occupied by people in their last 12 months of life
Last updated 3rd Jun 2025
End of life care in Wales is at breaking point says a leading end of life charity- with almost a fifth of hospital beds occupied by people in their last 12 months of life.
Marie Curie Cymru is calling on the next Welsh Government for equal access to high-quality care in the right place at the right time.
Research by Marie Curie estimates a cost of £1.3 million per day to the NHS in Wales in beds for people in their last 12 months of life.
Peter Midlane’s mum Joyce, spent six months in various different hospitals across Carmarthenshire before she was able to go home to be cared for before her death at the age of 97.
Pete, from Pontyates, said:
“When social services eventually put a care package together, it was horrendous.
“I was expecting a middle-aged male nurse, but instead it was 18 to 20-year-old students with no driving licence, relying on public transport to get to us, living in the middle of nowhere. So, they were always hours late.
"It was just impossible. And it wouldn't have been so bad if they were care students, but they were engineering students…they had no idea how to look after elderly people. They had zero experience.”
Marie Curie Senior Policy Manager, Natasha Davies, said:
“End of life care in Wales is at breaking point."
"Gaps in care and a system under severe pressure mean...
"Too many people are spending their final days isolated, in pain, and struggling to make ends meet."
"Carers are being left abandoned without support. Services and staff are struggling to deliver the care people need, when and where they need it. There is an urgent need for change.
“Truly transforming end of life care means making sure people can access the care they need, in the right place at the right time. It means getting the basics right to tackle inequity; by understanding gaps in care so services deliver timely, personal, and high-quality care for everyone in Wales, no matter who they are or where they live.
“It also means having meaningful conversations with dying people about their care preferences, so their wishes are heard and respected. And it means protecting people living with a terminal illness from poverty, and making sure carers and loved ones receive proper support.
“We cannot afford to waste time getting this right."
"The next Welsh Government must show strong leadership and commit to the bold, radical actions that are needed to truly transform end of life care.”
The Welsh Government says: “Good palliative and end of life care can make a huge difference to those with life-limiting illness, helping them to die with dignity, and help the grieving process for those left behind.
“We provide more than £16m a year to make sure everyone has access to the best possible end of life care.
“This includes setting national standards, boosting community services and ensuring people receive the support they need.
“We are working with health boards and local authorities, supported by monthly discharge data, to improve the safe discharge of patients from hospital. This applies equally to people requiring end of life care.”