Ethical and societal issues

2025 - Position statement on assisted dying

The Patients Association neither supports nor opposes a change in the law relating to assisted dying and assisted suicide.

2020 - Consultation response - ABPI code of practice
We welcome the principles and approach to working with voluntary sector organisations of the ABPI's code.

Latest

What does it really mean to wrap services around patients?

This free webinar will explore what it would look like if we put the patient at the centre, not as a policy ambition, but as a lived reality?
Why prioritising patient trust increases the value of using technology and data to improve research and care

This webinar will explore how organisations can partner with patients in the use of health data, placing trust and transparency at the heart of decision-making.
Patient Experience Survey: May 2026

This survey found that three quarters of people said delays negatively affected their quality of life.
The Patients Association responds to the NHS Modernisation Bill announced in the King's Speech

"The NHS Modernisation Bill contains real opportunities for patients, but also significant risks," says Rachel Power, Chief Executive.

Prescription for outpatients: reimagining planned specialist care

The Patients Association and the Royal College of Physicians (RCP) have published a joint report setting out a bold new vision for reforming outpatient services in the NHS over the next decade.
The Patients Association responds to the Government's plans to abolish NHS England

"Patients care about getting high-quality treatment when they need it, not about which organisation is in charge of the NHS," says Rachel Power, Chief Executive of the Patients Association.
Barriers to care

Why do some patients experience barriers to receiving the healthcare they need? Our webinar panel identified some of the barriers and how to overcome them.
The role of social and economic conditions on our health

Towards an equitable and effective healthcare system.
Making the availability of quality care a national priority

Seize this general election as the moment to be ambitious about health and care.
The importance for two-way communication

Patients tell us poor NHS communication has a real impact on their health and well-being. That’s why genuine two-communication between the NHS and patients is one of our election demands.
Ensuring the NHS has the workforce patients deserve

In our general election manifesto we call on the next Government to pledge to fund and deliver the existing NHS workforce plan in full. Here’s why that’s important.
First stage of crucial work on health inequities published

Social and economic conditions affect people’s health. Our latest project looks at their impact on people living with blood disorders and cancers. Here’s what we’ve found so far.
New project focuses on improving health equity

Bristol Myers Squibb awards the Patients Association grant to research how to improve access to healthcare for patients affected by health inequalities.
Martha's Rule - a major step for patient partnership

The Government has confirmed Martha's Rule will be introduced in 100 NHS sites across England beginning in April 2024.

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