We need to talk about death and palliative care

Most of us will face the reality of end-of-life care — yet our healthcare system treats palliative care as an afterthought, funded mainly by charities. Why is something so essential still so undervalued and patchy across the UK? In this eye-opening episode, Dr. Steve Taylor teams up with campaigners Brenda Allen and Pamela Martin to uncover the shocking truths about palliative care’s state of crisis and what must change. Explore how decades of underfunding, outdated models, and a reluctance to talk about death mean too many patients suffer avoidable pain and hospital stays. They reveal the staggering disparity: just 10% of end-of-life care budget goes to the services that keep people out of hospital and support them at home. Despite growing evidence that good palliative care saves money and improves quality of life, the system remains fragmented, unequal, and under-resourced—especially in rural, poorer areas. You'll discover concrete strategies to transform care: from community-based models and international good practices, to inspiring campaigns calling for NHS integration, fair funding, and workforce training. Brenda and Pamela share insights from recent research, highlighting how better investment in primary care, hospices, and specialist teams could significantly reduce unnecessary hospital admissions and ensure everyone gets a good death—on their terms. Fear of pain and death fuels a toxic silence, but breaking that silence early can empower both patients and carers. Why does this neglect matter to all of us? Because future generations deserve a system that values human dignity as much as efficiency—one capable of planning for the rising number of deaths due to aging and chronic illness. This episode isn’t just about policy; it’s a call to action for anyone who cares about compassionate, effective end-of-life care—and the moral and economic case for investing now. If you’re a healthcare professional, a concerned citizen, or just someone who wants to see a fairer, more humane system, this episode will challenge, inform, and inspire you to push for change. Get inspired by real models from Europe, learn the essentials of a long-term strategy, and discover how everyone’s voice can help reshape the future of palliative care. Because ultimately, we all deserve a good death—and the system we leave behind says everything about our society.