Irene Higginson: progress towards a better ending

Abstract

Media coverage can drive change—so the note of exasperation in Irene Higginson's voice is understandable: “I wish there was as much attention paid to people who don't have proper access to palliative care as there has been to the assisted dying debate”, she says. Higginson has a particular interest in the way we die; as Professor of Palliative Care and Policy at King's College London (KCL), London, UK, she is eager to advocate for her specialty. “UK hospices still rely for two-thirds of their funding on charitable donations”, she explains.