St Michael’s Hospice in Basingstoke will receive £258,000 as part of a nationwide £75m investment in end-of-life care, the largest ever funding boost for hospices in England.
The funding was welcomed by Luke Murphy, MP for Basingstoke, who credited the Labour Government’s support for improving care in the community.
Mr Murphy said: “I’m so pleased that this Labour Government has allocated important funding to hospices across England and right here in Basingstoke.
“I have seen first-hand the brilliant work that St Michael’s Hospice do, providing an invaluable support in our community for people with life-limiting conditions and their loved ones.
“This government funding will make a real difference to people who need end-of-life care and comes after an initial £86,000 funding injection announced earlier this year for the local hospice.”
Basingstoke MP Luke Murphy has welcomed funding for St Michael’s Hospice. (Image: Office of Luke Murphy MP)
The funding, part of the Government’s Plan for Change, will support upgrades to ensure patients receive high-quality care in a comfortable, dignified setting.
Nationally, more than 170 hospices will benefit from the investment, which will go toward modernising facilities, improving technology, and expanding outreach services.
Stephen Kinnock, Minister for Care, said: “Hospices play a vital role in our society by providing invaluable care and support when people need it most.
“At this most difficult time, people deserve to receive the best care in the best possible environment with dignity.
“Our funding is already making a real difference to improving facilities for patients and families.
“This additional funding will deliver further upgrades, relieving pressure on day-to-day spending.”
Recent improvements funded by previous investment include major building works, digital transformation to improve data sharing between healthcare providers, expanded outreach services, and the creation of welcoming family spaces.
Hospices have also been able to carry out energy efficiency upgrades to improve sustainability.
The £75m funding is allocated for the 2025/26 financial year and will be distributed by Hospice UK.
Hospices will receive their portion of funds and can invoice Hospice UK once the upgrades are completed.
The latest investment builds on previous support for the sector, including the £86,000 provided earlier this year to St Michael’s Hospice.
It is part of the Government’s wider 10 Year Health Plan, which aims to move more care out of hospitals and into the community.