Law to care for dying 'supported'

Concerns have been raised over the varying levels of palliative care

Proposed legislation requiring health boards to provide specialist care for the terminally ill has won a high level of public support, it has been claimed.

A backbench bill being spearheaded by SNP MSP Gil Paterson aims to secure high-quality palliative care on the NHS for anyone who needs it.

The plans have already attracted cross-party support.

They were brought forward amid concern over varying levels of palliative care across Scotland.

Mr Paterson, who said there had been a positive response to the bill, is now hoping to introduce it to parliament at a future date.

A report by public spending watchdog Audit Scotland last year found inconsistencies in the way palliative care was provided.

While such care is largely provided to people suffering from cancer, the bill would seek to extend care to patients with any life-threatening conditions, whether they are in hospital, at home or in a hospice.

In October last year, the Scottish Government announced a national action plan for palliative care, and said an extra £3m a year would be spent on improving services for the terminally ill.