England's hospices are set to receive a major boost with the UK government's recent announcement of £100 million in funding, the largest investment for hospice care seen in over a generation.
The funding aims to aid approximately 170 adult and children's hospices across the country this year and next, addressing the pressing financial challenges faced by these organizations. Health and Social Care Secretary Wes Streeting described the new support as pivotal, stating, "This package will help hospices continue to deliver the compassionate care everyone deserves as they come to the end of their life."
Marsha de Cordova, MP for Battersea, welcomed the announcement, calling it "a great early Christmas present for hospices." She emphasized the pivotal role hospices play by providing invaluable support to individuals with life-limiting conditions and expressed pride at being able to influence government funding decisions. "This funding from our Labour Government will make a real difference to hospices like the Royal Trinity Hospice here in Battersea," she added.
The £100 million allocation includes plans for extensive refurbishment projects to improve facilities, IT system overhauls, and enhancements to patient accommodation. Children’s hospices are set to receive extra assistance, with £26 million earmarked for revenue support during the 2025/26 period through the Children’s Hospice Grant.
James Frith, MP for Bury North, echoed similar sentiments about the government's latest financial commitment, describing it as recognition of the importance of hospices. "This funding from our Labour government will make a real difference," he noted, underscoring the benefits it would bring to local organizations such as Bury Hospice.
St Christopher's Hospice, based in Sydenham, had previously reported issues surrounding funding sustainability, highlighting how much reliance has grown on charity shop profits compared to government grants. They voiced concerns over what they predicted to be up to £60 million shortfall affecting hospice care this year.
Responding to the investment, Hospice UK, which advocates for over 200 hospices nationally, issued a statement declaring the government’s recognition of the financial pressures on both adult and children’s hospices. "The additional support will allow investment in the future of our services, and allow hospices... to continue to reach hundreds of thousands of people with high-quality, compassionate care," they emphasized.
Dr. Richard Soulsby, CEO of Katharine House Hospice, acknowledged the government’s investment as positive, but he stressed the continuing challenges faced by hospices, particularly around revenue sustainability. He reiterated the need for funding not just for capital improvements but also for day-to-day operational costs, which have been exacerbated due to rising wages and inflation. "This does not,however, resolve the issue of longer-term sustainability of hospices," Soulsby cautioned.
The recent funding announcement has brought to light the broader challenges facing hospices across England, where rising operational costs clash with historically limited funding. The government, acknowledging the disparity between the rising demand for services and the necessary resources to provide them, has promised to work closely with organizations like Hospice UK on developing longer-term solutions.
Streeting's confirmation of the capital funding suggests optimism for hospices, but many, including Soulsby, remain vigilant about the future. The overarching message from both government officials and hospices is clear: the new funding is just the beginning. Continued efforts to build sustainable funding models will be necessary to meet the needs of patients and families requiring high-quality palliative care.
Hospices play a fundamental role within communities, providing dignity and comfort to individuals during their final days. The £100 million funding will not only boost physical infrastructure but may also signify increased recognition from the government of the invaluable services these institutions provide.
