Most people hope to spend their final days in comfort, with pain under control and surrounded by people who care about them. Good end-of-life care can make a huge difference during this difficult time.
It can help people stay comfortable, respect their wishes, and support family members emotionally and practically. However, a major new study suggests that many people in England are not receiving this basic level of care when they need it most.
The research, led by scientists from King’s College London and Hull York Medical School at the University of Hull, together with researchers from the University of Edinburgh, found that almost one in three people in England die without receiving the palliative care they need.
The findings were published in the Journal of Health Services Research & Policy and represent the first major national assessment of unmet palliative care needs in England for more than ten years.
Palliative care is specialized medical care for people living with serious or life-limiting illnesses. Its goal is not to cure disease but to improve quality of life.
Doctors, nurses, and other healthcare professionals work together to relieve pain, manage symptoms such as breathlessness or nausea, provide emotional and psychological support, and help patients and their families make difficult decisions. Palliative care can be given in hospitals, hospices, nursing homes, or at home, depending on a person’s needs and wishes.
The researchers estimated that around 170,000 people every year in England spend their last days without enough medical, emotional, or practical support.
Many experience unnecessary pain, distress, anxiety, or loneliness during one of the most vulnerable times of their lives. Families often struggle as well, trying to provide care while coping with emotional stress and exhaustion.
The study warns that the problem is likely to become even more serious in the coming decades. England’s population is getting older, and more people are living longer with chronic illnesses such as cancer, heart disease, dementia, and lung disease.
If current trends continue, the number of people with unmet palliative care needs could increase by about 21% over the next 25 years. By 2050, more than 212,000 people each year may die without receiving the care they require.
Behind these numbers are real families facing heartbreaking situations. One woman from Leicestershire described the struggle of trying to arrange overnight care for her husband, who was dying and wanted to remain at home.
She spent countless hours making phone calls while feeling frightened, exhausted, and overwhelmed. Help arrived slowly, placing a heavy burden on the family during an already painful experience.
Researchers say many patients report that their pain is not well controlled and that they do not receive enough support from their healthcare providers. This can leave both patients and families feeling isolated and abandoned when compassionate care is needed most.
Experts believe the healthcare system is finding it increasingly difficult to meet growing demand. There are concerns about shortages of trained staff, limited funding, and uneven access to services across different regions. Some people receive excellent palliative care, while others struggle to access even basic support.
The UK government has been developing a new framework for palliative and end-of-life care services, but its release has been delayed. Healthcare organizations and patient advocacy groups hope the new plan will improve access to high-quality care, including 24-hour support in local communities, provided that enough funding and staff are available.
The researchers say their findings highlight an urgent need for action. Everyone deserves to be treated with dignity, compassion, and respect at the end of life. Good palliative care not only eases physical suffering but also supports emotional wellbeing, helps families cope, and allows many people to spend their final days in the place they choose.
The study reminds us that end-of-life care is about far more than medicine. It reflects how society cares for people during one of life’s most important moments. Improving access to palliative care could reduce unnecessary suffering and help thousands of people experience greater comfort and dignity in their final days.
If you care about wellness, please read studies about nutrients that could combat inflammation in older people, and essential foods for healthy aging.
For more health information, please see recent studies about the link between processed foods and chronic diseases, and a simple diet change for a healthier life after 65.
The study was published in the Journal of Health Services Research & Policy.
Copyright © 2026 Knowridge Science Report. All rights reserved.
