Add your name to the open letter to the Health Minister of Northern Ireland

You can read the open letter below. If you’d like, there’s also a space to share a memory or personal experience. These stories can make a real difference in helping politicians understand why this matters. When we send the letter to the Health Minister, we’d love to include some of these voices – you can choose to share anonymously if you prefer.

Dear Minister, 

The publication of the Health Committee’s report on access to palliative care marks a critical moment for health and social care in Northern Ireland. 

The report lays bare the challenges faced by people living with terminal illness, and the gaps in care that too many families experience. It also offers a clear set of recommendations to improve access, quality and coordination of palliative care services. 

We urge you to act on these recommendations and commit to developing a comprehensive palliative care strategy for Northern Ireland. 

Marie Curie has long called for such a strategy. We know from our work with patients, families and professionals that the current system does not meet the needs of everyone - especially those outside of cancer services, in rural areas, or facing socioeconomic disadvantage. 

A strategy would provide the leadership and accountability needed to drive change. It would ensure that everyone, regardless of diagnosis or postcode, can access the care they need at the end of life. 

We, the undersigned, call on you to take this opportunity to make lasting change.

If you'd like to read the Committee for Health - Access to Palliative Care Services Inquiry Report, you can visit this Northern Ireland Assembly web page for further information.

Your details

Please note this action is only open to those living in Northern Ireland. 

Your experience

If applicable, please tell us about the care and support your loved one received towards the end of their life, including how it could have been improved. What was the impact on them, you and their other loved ones?

Did your experience, or the experience of your loved one, happen in the last three years? 

In addition to sharing your message with the Health Minister, would you be happy for us to use what you've written in our campaign communications? This might include on our website and social media, in a press release or report, at an event or when we speak with decision makers

Would you be happy for someone from Marie Curie to get in touch to ask you a bit more about the experiences you shared? Stories from people affected by terminal illness are vital to our work. If you'd be willing to speak with us, we'd really appreciate it.

Stay in touch

Supporters like you make the care Marie Curie provides and our wider work possible - and we'd love to share more ways you can help. Just tell us how you'd like to hear from us:

 

To update your contact preferences, including how often you hear from us, email [email protected] or call 0800 716 146. Find out more about our Fundraising Promise and privacy policy.