Response to £75 million funding being allocated for hospices

“Late last year,  the Government announced a £100m funding package for the hospice sector in England. The first £25 million was distributed earlier this year, and this week, we’ve had confirmed how the next £75 million will be shared amongst the nation’s hospices.

“We warmly welcome this much-needed cash injection, as well as the recognition of the vital role hospices play in our healthcare system. The funds will support us with repairing and developing our buildings to keep our patients and families comfortable.

“However, as a one-off investment which can only be spent on infrastructure, we’re continuing to call for sustainable funding to help us provide our everyday care. With our services receiving only 25% statutory funding, we continue to rely on our community to cover 75% of our running costs.

“Each day, our team provide people living with terminal illness with the care they need and deserve. This includes our healthcare assistants supporting people at home across rural and remote areas and our specialist clinicians helping individuals create memories while managing complex symptoms. As soon as we receive approval from the Care Quality Commission, our nurses will begin caring for families round the clock on our inpatient unit at Herriot Hospice at the Lambert.

“We’re not only delivering on our commitment to be there for 50% more people each year, we’re exceeding it. But if we’re to keep up with growing demand amongst our aging population, we need sustainable funding alongside this important capital investment.

“We look forward to continuing the conversation with funding decision makers so we can be here for our communities in the years to come.”

Tony Collins, Chief Executive