The government is considering outsourcing assisted dying services to private providers to prevent a surge in requests from affecting NHS waiting lists, as reported by The Times.
While ministers are committed to offering assisted dying free at the point of use if the law changes, they have “no in-principle objection” to contracting out services to minimise pressure on NHS clinics.
MPs are currently examining Kim Leadbeater’s Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill, which would allow terminally ill patients with six months to live to seek medical assistance in ending their lives. Although the government remains neutral, an official impact assessment is underway to ensure the bill is workable.
NHS leaders have expressed concern about the complexity of arranging assisted dying services, and MPs are wary of the potential financial burden on the health system. Before MPs voted in favour of the bill last November, Health Secretary Wes Streeting, who opposes a change in the law, warned that implementing assisted dying would require resources that could impact other NHS services.
Ministers are exploring a model similar to dentistry, where some clinics provide both NHS-funded and private services. Government sources indicate they are open to a system where doctors with a particular interest in assisted dying run specialist services, as seen in the US and Australia. Leadbeater is also reportedly open to NHS-contracted services alongside private options but insists that a free alternative must be available.
Under the bill, each request for assisted dying would require assessments by two doctors, at least seven days apart, to confirm the patient has made a clear, informed, and independent decision.
The British Medical Association (BMA) has remained neutral on the principle of assisted dying but argues that it should not be part of a doctor’s standard role. Andrew Green, chair of the BMA’s ethics committee, has called for a separate service, though not necessarily outside the NHS, where only trained, voluntary healthcare professionals would be involved.
A Department of Health and Social Care spokesperson reiterated that assisted dying remains “a matter for parliament, not government,” but added that officials have a responsibility to ensure any legislation is both effective and enforceable.
