Rowcroft Hospice in BBC spotlight amid assisted dying debate

South Devon's Rowcroft Hospice featured on national TV as the big debate over assisted dying reached a landmark milestone.

As the nation and politicians discussed the Assisted Dying Bill, which MPs in the Commons backed, Rowcroft was part of a report on the national BBC News last week and across the BBC website, showcasing the incredible work of its teams and the difference hospice care makes every single day.

Rowcroft says it is proud to be flying the flag for hospices across the UK within this vital conversation. Like the wider hospice sector, it does not take a position either for or against assisted dying. The hospice says it understands just how personal, sensitive and complex this topic is — and it continues to support everyone in its care with kindness, respect and without judgment.

“We understand that people hold a range of deeply personal views on this issue,” says Rowcroft’s chief executive Mark Hawkins. 

“Our role is not to campaign either for or against assisted dying. It’s to ensure that anyone facing the end of life receives the support they need. Whatever Parliament decides, it’s vital that people are not forced to consider assisted dying due to a lack of adequate care provision.”

Rowcroft has extended its heartfelt thanks to the patients, families and colleagues who took part in the filming to help portray the reality of hospice care to a national audience. 

In particular, the hospice says it extends its deepest gratitude to patient Jabez Huw Petherick and his family for so bravely and generously sharing their story as part of the coverage — helping to highlight the compassion, dignity and support at the heart of Rowcroft’s care. 

Since the recording, Jabez has sadly passed away — he and his family had kindly granted the BBC permission to share his words following his death, to pay tribute to the staff at Rowcroft.