Hospice leaders in England have raised concerns that approximately 300 inpatient beds are currently closed or out of use, as a result of insufficient funding and staff shortages. The closure of beds is impacting some of the country’s 170 hospices, with many facing permanent reductions in capacity.
Hospice UK, the charity representing the sector, has called for urgent government intervention, requesting a £110 million funding package to help prevent further cuts. The Department of Health has acknowledged the issue, stating it is reviewing ways to provide financial support to ensure the sustainability of hospices.
The crisis comes amid an ongoing national debate over assisted dying, with some arguing that a focus on improving the quality of end-of-life care could provide patients with more informed choices. Hospice leaders have warned that financial pressures have been mounting throughout 2023, with funding from the NHS failing to keep up with inflation, and rising costs exacerbating the situation.
Currently, hospices receive only about a third of their funding from the NHS, with the remainder raised through donations, fundraising, and charity shops. However, with the looming threat of increased employer national insurance contributions, many hospices are finding it increasingly difficult to maintain services at full capacity.
Annette Alcock, director of programmes at Hospice UK, pointed out that the current NHS funding model is acting as a significant barrier to what hospices can achieve. She emphasized that with better funding and commissioning, hospices could provide more care, particularly in community settings, where the majority of hospice care is delivered.
Elinor Eustace, CEO of St Giles Hospice, explained that her facility is now running a waiting list for beds and community services due to funding shortfalls. The lack of a “sustainable funding model” has left many hospices uncertain about their financial future, with some unsure of their budgets for the coming year.
The Department of Health and Social Care has acknowledged the issue, noting that the recent Budget allowed for £26 billion in additional NHS investment, and that options for supporting hospices in the next financial year are being considered. Health Secretary Wes Streeting has indicated that a financial package for hospices will be announced before Christmas.
While leaders in the sector believe that £100 million in additional funding could help stabilize hospice finances through next year and address the impact of higher national insurance contributions, they stress that more support is needed to significantly improve the quality of care available to patients.