The UK government has pledged an investment to enhance hospice services across England, ensuring that individuals receive end-of-life care in a comfortable and dignified environment.
This investment forms part of the largest funding initiative for hospices in recent times and aims to improve patient rooms and create serene outdoor spaces for families.
Go deeper with GlobalData
Hospices are set to receive an initial £25m ($31.62m) for the 2024/25 financial year, with an additional £75m to follow from April.
The funding will benefit over 170 hospices, including those operated by Marie Curie and Sue Ryder, along with independent facilities such as Zoe’s Place in Liverpool.
This financial support is a crucial element of the government’s Plan for Change, which focuses on enhancing community care services.
Care Minister Stephen Kinnock said: “This is the largest investment in a generation to help transform hospice facilities across England. From upgrading patient rooms to improving gardens and outdoor spaces, this funding will make a real difference to people at the end of their lives.”
The immediate funding provided through Hospice UK will facilitate the procurement of vital medical equipment, refurbishment of buildings, technological advancements, facility upgrades for patients and families, and the implementation of energy-saving measures.
The subsequent £75m investment will support more capital projects, encompassing significant construction works and modernisation of facilities in the next financial year.
A significant portion of the investment will be directed towards digital transformation, allowing hospices to update their IT systems and enhance data sharing among healthcare providers.
Additionally, the funds will aid in the expansion of outreach services, enabling hospices to extend their care to patients wishing to receive end-of-life care at home through mobile equipment and technology.
Renovating family rooms and outdoor areas to create more welcoming space is another focus of the funding.
This aligns with the government’s 10 Year Health Plan objectives, which aim to transition healthcare from hospitals to community settings and from analogue to digital systems.
