Doctors in Rutland say there are still changes needed to the assisted dying bill
Today the end of life bill is back in parliament where MP's are expected to discuss further amendments
Doctors in Rutland say more changes need to be made to the assisted dying bill before it moves forward.
It comes as the end of life bill is back in parliament today and MP's are expected to discuss more amendments.
Most of us have experienced patients dying in agony or severe distress
The Bill proposes that a terminally ill person would take an approved substance, provided by a doctor but administered only by the person themselves.
The proposed legislation would allow terminally ill adults in England and Wales, with fewer than six months to live, to apply for an assisted death, subject to approval by two doctors and a panel featuring a social worker, senior legal figure and psychiatrist.
The Westminster Bill states that no person, including any medical workers, are obliged to take part in assisted dying, meaning doctors would be free to opt out if the law was changed and a service set up.
It's crucial that patients don't make this huge decision for the wrong reasons
Grant Ingrams, Chair of Rutland’s local medical committee, said:
"Most of us have experienced patients dying in agony or severe distress, and at times I suspect many of us have wished we could help someone's passing."
"But this could take the emphasis off providing high-quality palliative care."
"This bill shouldn't reduce the need to urgently invest in the palliative care services."
"It's also common to have patients that feel they're a nuisance or burden. It's crucial that safeguards protect patients from making this huge decision for the wrong reasons."
Earlier this week, around 1,000 doctors signed a letter to MPs urging them to vote against a Bill they described as "simply not safe".
The doctors, from across the NHS, urged lawmakers to listen to those "who would have to deliver the consequences of this deeply flawed Bill", warning it "poses a real threat to both patients and the medical workforce".