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New figures reveal scale of unmet palliative care need in Scotland

  • Area of Work: Policy and Research
  • Type: News Item
  • Published: 23rd February 2026

Marie Curie has published new analysis showing that almost one in three people in Scotland die without the palliative care they need.

The figures suggest around 18,500 people every year die with significant symptoms or concerns that are not properly addressed, alongside insufficient access to GP support at the end of life. Without action, this number is projected to rise by 14% by 2050, driven by an ageing population and more people living with multiple serious illnesses.

Marie Curie outline that unmet palliative care can seriously affects a person’s comfort, wellbeing and dignity in their final months, while also place avoidable pressure on health and care service. The analysis highlights that the biggest gaps are a lack of timely, holistic assessment of symptoms and difficulty accessing the services people need.

Marie Curie is calling on the next Scottish Government to legislate for a Right to Palliative Care, helping people with terminal illness, their families and carers understand what care they should expect, while supporting long-term sustainable investment in services.

Key actions proposed include:

  • Setting minimum service standards for palliative care, backed by law
  • Requiring palliative care training for all staff caring for people with terminal illness, including in care homes
  • Ensuring fair pay for hospice staff in line with NHS Agenda for Change
  • Strengthening community based care, so more people can be supported closer to home
  • Creating a Scotland-wide specialist palliative care advice line through NHS 24

You can read more about the analysis at Marie Curie Unmet Need Research

And engage with Marie Curie’s manifesto for the upcoming Scottish Election at A right to palliative care

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