Govt provides funding boost for hospices in England

Hospices in England have been promised a funding boost of £100 million in a move welcomed by the sector.

The Department of Health and Social Care also confirmed £26 million in continued grant funding for next year.

Both adult and children's hospices will benefit from the extra money. Health Secretary Wes Streeting said:

“Hospices provide the care and support for patients and families at the most difficult time so it is only right they are given the financial support to provide these services.

“This package will ensure they will be able to continue to deliver the compassionate care everyone deserves as they come to the end of their life in the best possible environment.”

Care minister Stephen Kinnock said:

“I am grateful to NHS staff and voluntary organisations, including hospices, for the deeply compassionate care and support they give to end-of-life patients and their families.

“The £100 million capital investment that the Government is announcing today will allow hospices to improve their physical and operational environment, enabling them to provide the best possible care to their patients.”

CARE has stressed the need for further investment in end-of-life and palliative care for many years.

This form of support, not assisted suicide, is a compassionate and ethical way to support dying people.

The news comes as UK politicians consider assisted suicide Bills from Kim Leadbeater MP and Liam McArthur MSP.

Palliative care experts have warned against a change in the law, and the vast majority of palliative doctors are opposed.