The Government has pledged that families across England will start to see improved end-of-life care as major upgrades to hospice services nationwide will be implemented.
New investments in hospices will aim to make sure people receive compassionate care in comfortable, dignified surroundings during their most vulnerable moments by creating outdoor gardens where memories can be shared and upgrading patient rooms, so they feel more like home. Every change will be "focused on supporting families when they need it most."
Hospices will begin receiving £25 million for facility upgrades and refurbishments as part of the biggest investment into hospices in a generation and the investment will be distributed immediately for the 2024/25 financial year, with a further £75 million to follow from April. More than 170 hospices across the country will receive funding, including those run by Marie Curie and Sue Ryder, as well as independent hospices like Zoe’s Place in Liverpool.
This cash forms a key part of the government’s Plan for Change, improving care in the community where people need it most.
Minister for Care Stephen Kinnock said: "This is the largest investment in a generation to help transform hospice facilities across England. From upgrading patient rooms to improving gardens and outdoor spaces, this funding will make a real difference to people at the end of their lives. Hospices provide invaluable care and support when people need it most and this funding boost will ensure they are able to continue delivering exceptional care in better, modernised facilities."
The immediate cash injection, allocated through Hospice UK from the department, will enable hospices to purchase essential new medical equipment, undertake building refurbishments, improve technology, upgrade facilities for patients and families and implement energy efficiency measures.
The larger £75 million investment will support more substantial capital projects, including major building works and facility modernisation, throughout the next financial year.
Toby Porter, CEO of Hospice UK, said: "The announcement before Christmas of £100m of additional funding for hospices in England was a significant boost, and the news of the allocation of the first £25m of this funding will be a huge relief for our members.
"Several years of rapidly rising costs have curtailed the extent to which hospices have been able to invest in their infrastructure for the longer term. This additional support will enable them to do so - and relieve the immediate pressures on hospice finances.The hospice sector is ready to support the government’s ambition to shift more care into the community. This couldn’t be more important for people approaching the end of life, when it’s vital to have the right care, in the right place.
"The greater stability provided by the government’s funding injection this year and next gives us a golden opportunity to now reform the palliative and end of life care system, so it’s fit for the future."
