House of Commons debate on Hospice funding

Today, MP’s in the House of Commons will be debating the topic of Hospice funding. Hospice UK last week revealed alarming findings in their recent survey of hospice finances. According to Hospice UK's quarterly financial benchmarking survey, the UK hospice sector, which supports 300,000 people annually, is facing a collective estimated deficit of £77 million in the financial year 2023-24. 

Earlier this year, a report by the All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for Hospice and End of Life Care found that despite a law passed in 2022, the way hospice services are commissioned in England is not fit for purpose. The cross party group of MPs found that services provided by hospices for dying people and their families, and the support they provide to the health system, are at risk. 

Ann-Marie Kelly, Director of Income Generation at Heart of Kent Hospice was interviewed by BBC Radio Kent and Greatest Hits Radio to give her thoughts on this important topic.

"There are a number of challenges we face as a Hospice when it comes to funding. Firstly, the funding is too low, the grant of less than 20% for our Hospice services is not growing with inflation. It makes our financial situation precarious on an annual basis. So, the more that we are able to match what that needs to be, the more financially secure we'll be. Secondly the funding is not secured. So if we know in advance what funding is going to be available this would hugely benefit hospices. The final point is that we need a clear and transparent modern model on which to base funding. This should recognise the important part that hospices play in the community by providing end-of-life palliative care and therefore relieving hospitals needing to do that. Its a long road ahead but the fact this is being debated in parliament is a welcome development." 

Today’s House of Commons debate was called by Peter Gibson MP looking at the post code lottery of hospice funding and how Integrated Care Boards can urgently address the funding for hospice-provided palliative and end-of-life care in their areas. 

You can watch the House of Commons debate today at BBC iPlayer - BBC Parliament 

Click here to read the full Hospice UK report: Hospice sector facing collective deficit of £77m | Hospice UK 

Click here to listen to Ann-Marie Kelly’s full interview on BBC Radio Kent: The Wake Up Call - 16/04/2024 - 16/04/2024 - BBC Sounds