The government has announced £100million for adult and children’s hospices in England which it describes as the biggest investment ‘in a generation’ – but concerns remain
Hospices have welcomed a multimillion pound funding boost to help relieve pressures on the palliative care sector.
Health minister Karin Smyth announced £100million for adult and children’s hospices in England which she described as the biggest investment “in a generation”. She also pledged a £26million in continued grant funding for next year under what was known as the Children’s Hospice Grant.
But concerns were raised within the sector about costs caused by a rise in employers’ national insurance contributions (NICs), announced in the Autumn Budget. Ministers are facing calls to exempt charities and voluntary groups from the increase over fears the costs could mean cuts elsewhere within the sector. One hospice charity said the “restricted and one-off investment is not going to meet the recurring cost pressures”.,
Ms Smyth said the money will help support hospices deliver much needed facilities improvements, including refurbishments and IT upgrades. She said the hospices had been “neglected” under the Tories and that to be in government was to “choose” how to spend taxpayers’ cash.
Speaking in the Commons, the minister said: “This government recognises the range of cost pressures the hospice sector has been facing over a number of years. So today, I’m delighted to announce the biggest investment into hospices and end of life care in a generation.” She said details on allocations of funding will be set out in the new year.
The state of palliative care in England was thrown into the spotlight during public debates on legalising assisted dying. Critics argued that improving care for the terminally ill people at the end of their lives should take priority over a change in the law.
Matthew Reed, chief executive Marie Curie, said the palliative and end of life care system is in “crisis” and said “radical change is needed”. He continued: “Marie Curie welcome additional investment in the palliative care sector and look forward to further clarification on how this funding will be used to ensure better care for all dying people who need it.
“However, a restricted and one-off investment is not going to meet the recurring cost pressures, and ongoing needs of the sector – including the long-term implications of additional National Insurance Contributions, ongoing pressures as a result of rising costs of pay, and increased numbers of people dying over the next twenty years.”
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Toby Porter, Hospice UK chief executive, 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.” Ralph Coulbeck, chief executive at Haven House children’s hospice, said it is “a relief” to know the children’s grant is being maintained next year, adding that it will “help to support the vital care we provide to seriously ill children and families”.
Shadow health minister Dr Caroline Johnson criticised Labour for having “the audacity” to make such a claim when “they are taking millions of pounds off hospices and palliative care charities and then think they should be grateful when they give them some of it back”.
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.”
