Victory for ailing hospices...₤126million funding injection 'biggest in generation'

HUNDREDS of cash-strapped hospices received an early Christmas present yesterday with the promise of a £126million funding lifeline.

- Giles Sheldrick

After years of devastating cuts and closures, ailing institutions providing end-of-life care will share a windfall in the first top-level recognition of decades of underinvestment.

The announcement was another major victory for the campaigning Express, which has highlighted the parlous state of palliative care and demanded urgent investment.

That cash injection, shared across adult and children's services, will see many institutions halt plans to slash services and make redundancies.

Toby Porter, chief executive of Hospice UK, said: "The cash 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."

Package

The funding promise, announced by Health and Social Care Secretary Wes Streeting, will see £100million set aside for adult and children's hospices while hospices for children and young people will get a further £26million in 2025-26.

Taken together, it is the biggest cash boost for end-of-life facilities in a generation.

Mr 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.