Hospice Chief Gives Reserved Welcome to Government’s End-of-Life Care Funding

A hospice chief executive has offered a cautious reception to the government’s £100 million funding initiative for end-of-life care across England. This package features an additional £26 million designated for children’s hospices. Gareth Pierce, who serves as chief executive of Forget Me Not Children’s Hospice in Huddersfield, acknowledged the welcome nature of the funding but emphasized the ongoing necessity for a more enduring solution. This hospice had initiated a public appeal in early December, following its disclosure that a £1 million funding deficit might result in 16 staff redundancies and a curtailment of services. While the government characterized this as “the biggest investment in a generation,” Mr. Pierce stated that it does not alleviate their requirement to persist with fundraising efforts. This financial injection follows earlier warnings from hospice leaders, who indicated they were compelled to close beds due to escalating financial pressures. Forget Me Not Children’s Hospice offers various services, including short breaks, respite care, end-of-life symptom management, and diverse therapies for both children and their families. Approximately 10% of its yearly income, which amounts to just over £500,000, is derived from statutory funding. Given annual running costs of £6 million, the remaining funds must be generated through fundraising appeals and donations. Mr. Pierce stated their objective was to safeguard “those vital services that the families so desperately need,” but cautioned that a failure to secure longer-term support would necessitate considering cost reductions. He further warned of a “perfect storm” comprising the unpredictability of future statutory funding, “a really difficult income climate,” and escalating expenses. Mr. Pierce commented that it represented “a huge step forward that the government has listened to the concerns of not just children’s hospices but adult hospices as well.” However, he expressed a desire for clarity on when discussions regarding longer-term funding would commence, noting that wage costs and other core expenditures have consistently increased by approximately £500,000 annually. He stated, “That has just made it incredibly difficult for us to keep raising the same amount of money just to keep the doors open.” The hospice’s appeal has also garnered support from the father of a terminally ill boy, who has implored the government to provide additional assistance. Steve Lord, whose 10-year-old son Ethan lives with a life-limiting brain condition, described the possibility of losing the hospice’s support as “frightening.” In England, approximately 170 hospices deliver end-of-life care for adults, while around 40 offer hospice care for children and young people, with some institutions catering to both demographics. The government reiterated that the funding constituted “the biggest investment in a generation” and would be allocated to enhancing buildings, equipment, and accommodation. Health and Social Care Secretary Wes Streeting commented that hospices offer care and support to patients and their families during the “most difficult time.” “It is only right they are given the financial support to provide these services,” he added. Further details regarding the announced package are scheduled to be shared with the hospice sector in the new year.