Marie Curie, a charity which supports people with a terminal illness, has released a new report on the discrimination which Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Trans (LGBT) people face at the end of their lives. Too often they cannot be open about their sexuality, which can lead to partners not being fully involved in ensuring their last wishes are carried out – or even in the terminally ill person delaying seeking necessary medical treatment and care.
Jim Fitzpatrick, Labour MP for Poplar & Canning Town, has pledged his support for the Marie Curie charity in campaigning to bring an end to this discrimination, so that all LGBT people can receive high quality and appropriate end of life care. Launching the Marie Curie report with their Nurse Tracey Meaning at the House of Commons last week, Jim Fitzpatrick said: “No one should have to face discrimination because of who they are, not least when they are nearing the end of their life. Marie Curie’s research is crucial and I join them in calling for high quality end of life care for LGBT people.”
Scott Sinclair, Head of Policy and Public Affairs at Marie Curie, said: “The support of Jim Fitzpatrick MP is incredibly valuable as part of our call for high quality end of life care for LGBT people. Learning about the prejudice LGBT people experience as they are dying, when they are at their most vulnerable, is deeply saddening.”
However, Jim Fitzpatrick was not alone in receiving Mr Sinclair’s thanks. Mark Durkan, SDLP MP for Foyle, also helped launch the report and pledged his support to Marie Curie too. Scott Sinclair said: “The support of Mark Durkan is incredibly valuable as part of our call for high quality end of life care for LGBT people.”
•The Marie Curie Report, Hiding who I am: the reality of end of life care for LGBT people, has a foreword by Sandi Toksvig OBE. For more information about the report, go to: www.mariecurie.org.uk
•Anyone affected by terminal illness can contact the Marie Curie Support Line on 0800 090 2309 for help and support. Calls are free from landlines and mobile phones. It is open Monday-Friday, 8am-6pm and Saturdays, 11am-5pm.
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