Young people with palliative care needs from across the UK are today lobbying the government to change the way that the transition from childhood to adult palliative care services is handled.

Currently, support for children with life-limiting conditions comes to an abrupt end at the age of either 16 or 18. Services for adults – provided jointly by the National Health Service and other government bodies – are far less extensive, and the sudden loss of support leaves many families in a state of shock.

The issue is particularly timely as, due to rapid medical advancement in the last few decades, more and more people born with life-limiting conditions are surviving to 18 and beyond. In the last ten years alone in the UK the number of young people living with long-term health conditions which may require palliative care has risen by 30%.

Over the next two days a group of young people facing this difficult transition are gathering in London to meet with ministers and other healthcare professionals. Their aim is to explain the major failings of the current system and encourage policy-makers to take action. Today the issue is being raised in the House of Lords, and tomorrow it will be discussed at a conference at the Oval Cricket Ground.

The event is accompanied by a report entitled ‘Don’t Let Me Down’ by Marie Curie, which outlines how the current system could be improved and urges the Prime Minister to spearhead the new initiative.