Nairn, Badenoch and Strathspey MP Drew Hendry welcomes change in rules for terminally ill – which means the current diagnosis six months or less to live will be replaced with a new 12-month end of life definition
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A Highland MP has welcomed an announcement by the UK Government that rules for terminally ill people are to change.
The announcement means that the current rule that someone has to have a diagnosis of six months or less to access fast-tracked support is to be replaced with a new 12-month, end of life definition.
The move will ensure that more terminally ill people will receive vital financial support quicker than they can do at present and at the highest rate through revised special rules.
Drew Hendry, the MP for Inverness, Nairn, Badenoch and Strathspey and chairman of a cross party group for terminal illness, has long campaigned for greater access to fast-track benefit applications for those with a terminal diagnosis.
He said: “After many years of campaigning for greater support for those living with a terminal illness, I am pleased that we have moved this step forward.”
Mr Hendry said that just last week the cross party group heard painful stories from people affected by the rule, the culture of scepticism and dehumanisation at the DWP, and the effect these experiences have on families that can last long into bereavement.
He added: “I pay tribute to the people with terminal illness who have fought for the benefit of others in the future.
“I am very proud of the work of the APPG for Terminal Illness, which forced the UK Government to undertake this review and I pay tribute to Marie Curie, MND and all those living with a terminal illness who have campaigned tirelessly for change.
“Many of whom have shared their very personal stories with us all in the hope it may help improve the system for others. This victory is very much theirs.”
He said the announcement was a significant step forward in the group’s campaign and the UK Government had finally listened to terminally ill people – but it must now act to ensure the changes are made.
