Entrepreneur Delivers Hospice Funding Petition to Downing Street

An entrepreneur, known for advocating on behalf of hospices facing difficulties, is set to deliver his petition to Downing Street later. Corin Dalby, based in Bolton, has urged the government to direct the initial £100 million generated from penalties imposed by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) on banks and other entities towards assisting hospices. Currently, his petition is supported by over 60 Members of Parliament and 30 hospices. A spokesperson for the government stated that funds from FCA fines are already allocated to essential public services, such as the NHS. Later, Mr. Dalby will be accompanied by Members of Parliament who endorse the initiative, as they submit the petition to the prime minister. Nationwide, hospices have reported experiencing financial strain, with numerous facilities depleting their reserves to maintain operations. In contrast to the NHS, hospices do not receive complete state funding, with approximately one-third of their financial support originating from the government. The sector has indicated an approximate funding deficit of £60 million for the present financial year. Mr. Dalby, who operates the not-for-profit energy company Box Power CIC, commented, “I think that’s why we got cross-party MPs because it’s not political, it’s personal.” “Hospices are there for their community.” Karen Edwards, the Chief Executive Officer of Derian House Children’s Hospice in Chorley, mentioned that certain hospices are compelled to make “really tough decisions,” which include reducing frontline nursing personnel. She asserted, “We need investment right now to help hospices survive the next few months.” The Department of Health, in an official statement, communicated its desire for universal access to high-quality end-of-life care and acknowledged the financial difficulties confronting the sector. The department further added: “We are determined to shift more healthcare into the community and ensure patients and their families receive high-quality, personalised care in the most appropriate setting, and hospices will have a big role to play in that shift.”