MSPs are to conduct an inquiry into palliative care to ensure people with a terminal illness get the best service possible.

During the debate about the assisted suicide bill it was stated by many that palliative care in Scotland was not available to enough people and there had to be improvements across the country.

Now the Scottish Parliament Health Committee is to hear the views of people who have been affected and form health professionals into end of life care.

The inquiry will investigate the quality and availability of care and consider when is the right time to have a conversation about care and with whom.

Duncan McNeil, committee Convener said the patient’s needs must be the priority in any care plan.

He said: “The recent debate on assisted dying highlighted that the provision of palliative care in Scotland is not good enough. Our Committee heard that access to palliative care is not available on an equal basis.

“We want this inquiry to shine a light on access to palliative care in Scotland and what more can be done to improve care for people at the end of their lives.”

Mr McNeil and his colleagues met staff at Marie Curie Hospice in Glasgow to launch the inquiry and seek evidence.

The committee will ask for people’s experiences of the care system.

They will ask how it can be available for all terminal conditions, not only cancer patients and what support is available for staff to have discussions with patients and their family about end of life care.

Marie Curie Hospice said the inquiry can help ensure the right care is available for all who need and want it.

Richard Meade, Head of Policy and Public Affairs, said: " We know that palliative care provides great care and support for people living with a terminal illness, but unfortunately thousands of people in Scotland are missing out or receiving it much later than they should.

“This inquiry will help us to complete the picture of unmet need and identify clear recommendations to address this."