This week the Prime Minister, Boris Johnson MP, has announced a £25 million cash boost for hospices and palliative care services.
Around 200 000 people are currently supported with end of life care through services across England, many of which are funded by the voluntary sector. The money will build on services already provided by the NHS, looking to improve the quality of end of life care and ensure that those at the end of their lives can live as independently, comfortably and with as much dignity as possible.
New services will also be supported, such as out-of-hours support, respite care and specialist community teams.
Caroline Dinenage, MP for Gosport and Minister of State for Care, commented:
“Only this year I confirmed that the Children’s Hospice Grant would increase from £12 million to £25 million by 2023/34 having seen the incredible pressure that palliative care staff face and the invaluable work they do to ensure those at the end of their life can die with dignity.
“I am thrilled to see this cash boost for hospices across England, supporting tens of thousands with life-limiting conditions and their families. It is heart-breaking to see lives cut unnecessarily short and we need to ensure that we can do everything possible to make their time left as comfortable and happy as possible.”
Prime Minister Boris Johnson said:
“Seeing a loved one nearing the end of their life is one of the hardest things a family will ever experience, so it’s vital that we support our fantastic and hardworking hospice staff to deliver the highest quality palliative care.
“As Prime Minister I am making sure that today our hospices and palliative care services are given a £25 million boost to alleviate the everyday pressures faced on the frontline, helping to ensure they have the resources they need, when they need them.”
Health Secretary Matt Hancock said:
“End of life is vitally important, and our NHS is committed to caring for you from cradle to grave. This cash boost will protect our precious hospices and palliative care services so people across the country will have the best, most personalised and dignified choices when they die.
“We should expect the highest quality support, so we can spend the last days of our life with our loved ones, dying with dignity in the way that we want to.”
Tracey Bleakley, Chief Executive, Hospice UK, said:
“We are pleased that the Government has responded to Hospice UK’s call for extra funding for charitable hospices in England and recognises that many are currently overstretched, amidst rising service costs and increasing demand for the care they provide.
“While this funding boost is welcome and timely, many charitable hospices are facing grave, financial challenges in the long-term and need to raise over £1billion a year in a very tough fundraising climate. As demand grows and costs increase, the need for funding rises every year.
“The support pledged today is an important first step to help protect the vital care provided by charitable hospices for people with life-limiting conditions and their families.”