England – Hospices across England are set to receive a significant financial boost with a new government announcement of £100 million to enhance facilities and services. The funding will be provided to both adult and children’s hospices and is aimed at improving buildings, equipment, and accommodation. The investment will begin in the new year and run through to the end of the next financial year, April 2026.
A further £26 million will be allocated specifically to children’s hospices for the 2025/26 year.
The government says the funding will be used to refurbish and improve key areas such as bedrooms and bathrooms, ensuring more comfortable overnight facilities for families. It will also support the enhancement of IT systems to allow for better data sharing between GPs, hospitals, and hospices, ensuring seamless and effective care for patients. Additionally, outdoor spaces, including gardens, will be improved to provide better environments for both patients and their families. The funding will also help develop outreach services to assist people in their own homes, broadening the scope of hospice care.
Impact on Hospices and NHS Pressure
There are around 170 hospices in England providing end-of-life care for adults, and about 40 dedicated to children and young people. While many hospices are charitable and independent, they do receive some statutory funding from the government due to their role in providing NHS services.
Hospices have long faced funding pressures, and many have been at risk of financial instability. The extra £100 million comes as part of a continued effort by the government to support these critical services. However, some concerns have been raised regarding the impact of rising costs, particularly with the increase in employers’ national insurance contributions.
At Prime Minister’s Questions this week, Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch highlighted that hospices have expressed concerns that the national insurance rise could cost them an additional £30 million. She asked whether the government would be providing funding to cover this increase, a question that remains unanswered.
Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer responded by noting that his government had put a “record amount” into the NHS budget and assured that funding arrangements would be addressed in the new year.
Support from Health and Care Leaders
Health Minister Stephen Kinnock expressed gratitude for the compassionate care provided by NHS staff and voluntary organisations, including hospices, particularly in supporting end-of-life patients and their families. He said, “The £100 million capital investment will allow hospices to improve their physical and operational environment, enabling them to provide the best possible care to their patients.”
Toby Porter, CEO of Hospice UK, welcomed the announcement, calling the extra funding “hugely welcomed.” He emphasized that hospices not only provide critical care for patients and families but also relieve pressure on the NHS. “This funding will allow hospices to continue to reach hundreds of thousands of people every year with high-quality, compassionate care,” Porter said. He added that the organisation looked forward to collaborating with the government to ensure that everyone approaching the end of life receives the care and support they need.
Looking Ahead
As the extra funding begins to roll out, hospices across England are expected to see improvements in their facilities, which could enhance the care experience for many patients and their families. The £100 million investment comes as part of a broader effort to ensure that end-of-life care remains a priority in the NHS system, especially as the country faces increasing pressures on healthcare services.
The government’s focus on improving hospice care highlights the ongoing challenges of providing quality healthcare in a strained system, but it also signals a recognition of the invaluable role hospices play in delivering compassionate care during one of the most difficult times in people’s lives.