The government has announced an additional £100m for hospices in what it is calling the “biggest investment in a generation” for the sector.
The Department of Health and Social Care said the two-year funding would ensure that “hospices can continue to deliver the highest quality end of life care possible for their patients, families, and loved ones”.
The department also announced a further £26m for hospices for children and young people, which is a continuation of money previously given through what was called the Children’s Hospice Grant.
But the funding announced today will be for capital projects such as refurbishments, overhauling IT systems and improving facilities for patients and visitors so will not help hospices with the anticipated cost rises from the increase in employer National Insurance contributions and the rise to the national minimum wage.
Wes Streeting, the health secretary, 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.
“This investment will go towards helping hospices to improve their buildings, equipment, and accommodation to ensure that patients continue to receive the best care possible.
“That will include refurbishing bedrooms and bathrooms for patients and providing comfortable overnight facilities for families, improving IT systems making it easier for GPs and hospitals to share vital data on patients.”
Toby Porter, chief executive of Hospice UK, which warned in April that hospices were facing a £77m deficit, said today’s announcement would be hugely welcomed by hospices and those who rely on their services.
“This funding will allow hospices to continue to reach hundreds of thousands of people every year with high-quality, compassionate care.
“We look forward to working with the government to make sure everyone approaching the end of life gets the care and support they need, when and where they need it.”
Funding arrangements are expected to be announced in the new year.