Meeting of the Parliament 06 December 2023
I thank my friend and colleague Sue Webber for securing this important members’ business debate, and I put on record my thanks to the organisations that have provided helpful briefings ahead of today’s debate. I also thank those organisations for the services that they provide across Scotland and, perhaps more importantly, the love and support that they give to families at the most difficult time that anyone can imagine.
From the age of seven, I have known and valued the contribution that hospices make to people when they and their families need them. I say that because the final memories that I have of my mum are of seeing her in the hospice and leaving her to go on a charitable fun run. I remember the kindness and care that the staff showed not only to me but to my family members following her death. Throughout the time that my mum and family needed hospice services, they were there for us. That is why I make no apology for the fact that, throughout the time that I have been lucky enough to serve in this Parliament, I have advocated for our hospices across Scotland, because we need to make sure that they succeed. We have already heard some important speeches about why that is the case.
Marie Curie’s briefing for the debate starkly outlines the fact that, in the years to come, 60,000 people a year across Scotland will need hospice services in a community setting. The country needs to start planning for and funding that 20 per cent increase.