Government makes £100m investment into hospices and end of life care
The government has made a landmark investment into hospices and end-of-life care, in a crucial time for the sector.
Hospices across the UK were facing a collective £77m funding deficit due to rising operating costs and a lack of funding.
The package, announced by Health and Social Care Secretary Wes Streeting, includes £100m for adult and children’s hospices to improve their physical environment for care, plus an additional £26m of revenue funding to support children and young people’s hospices in 2025/26.
This investment will support improvements including refurbishments, IT system upgrades, and enhanced facilities for patients and visitors. The funding will also help develop outreach services to support people in their own homes.
St Giles Hospice had been forced to cut jobs and reduce inpatient care to address a £1.5m deficit.
Following a period of consultation, the hospice axed 21 jobs and cut back its inpatient capacity from 23 to just 15 beds, to focus on its specialist palliative care services.
Health and Social Care 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.”
Elinor Eustace, CEO of St Giles Hospice said: “We warmly welcome today’s announcement of government support for hospices. This significant investment recognises the vital role hospices play in providing essential end of life care in our communities whilst also recognising the significant financial challenges we face as a sector.
“This support comes at a crucial time for St Giles, following the difficult decisions we’ve recently had to make. The funding will help ease the immediate financial pressures hospices face and allow us to focus on what we do best – providing outstanding care to patients and their families when they need us most.
“We look forward to working alongside the government and our NHS partners to ensure more people can receive the care they need, where and when they need it. This support will help us continue preventing hospital admissions and supporting people to receive care in their preferred setting. As a significant provider of healthcare in the community, we remain committed 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.
“We are grateful to Hospice UK for their continued advocacy on behalf of the sector, and to our incredible local community for their ongoing charitable support. It is only through a combination of sustainable funding streams and continued community backing that we can continue providing specialist palliative care across our region. We thank the Health Secretary and the wider government for their commitment to ensuring every person has access to high-quality end of life care.”
Toby Porter, CEO of Hospice UK, said: “Today’s announcement will be hugely welcomed by hospices, and those who rely on their services. Hospices not only provide vital care for patients and families, but also relieve pressure on the NHS. 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.”
