Public views sought over end of life care

People have been invited to share their opinions and experience of palliative and end of life care in a new survey.

The States of Guernsey said the survey would be open until 19 April 2026.

It said the survey would form a "central part" of the work looking to build a shared, island‑wide approach to palliative and end‑of‑life care which was responsive to the needs of patients, families, and professionals.

Laura Arblaster, Palliative Care Doctor, said: "We want to ensure that everyone in the Bailiwick receives the best possible care at the end of their life."

Arblaster added: "To do that, we need to understand people's experiences, what is working well and where support could be improved."

The survey was being led by the Palliative and End of Life Care Partnership Group.

The States of Guernsey said the Partnership Group would bring together representatives from Health and Social care, primary care, the third sector, and other key partners.

It said the survey would focus on people's experiences of existing services which included whether individuals felt supported to die in their place of choice.

It would also explore financial and holistic aspects which would help to identify what was working well and what improvements were needed.

The government said the survey was not connected to assisted dying but was designed to inform practical service planning and future investment.

Separate surveys for staff and partner organisations were also launched.

Becky Bilton, Palliative Care Doctor, said: "This survey is an important opportunity for the community to help shape a compassionate, coordinated and future‑focused approach to end‑of‑life care.

"We would ask islanders to please take the time to complete the survey as your thoughts will help shape the outcome of the strategy."

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