Rushcliffe MP James Naish, who has spoken with organisations including Nottinghamshire Hospice CEO Rachel Hucknall about the funding pressures facing local end-of-life care, has welcomed the government’s £75 million boost for hospices – but says long-term core funding must go further.

 

After writing to the Health Secretary last year to flag concerns about the funding of Nottinghamshire Hospice, a community-based hospice that provides free palliative, end-of-life care and bereavement support to families facing terminal illness, Rushcliffe MP James Naish has welcomed the announcement of £215,000 for the organisation to improve its end-of-life care provision – but says that more core funding for hospices must come directly from the government.

 

The announcement was part of a £75 million package to deliver major upgrades and enhancements to hospices across the UK. More than 170 hospices across England will receive a share of the funding – the largest cash injection ever – to ensure patients receive high-quality end-of-life care in comfortable, dignified surroundings with upgrades including specially-adapted beds, rooms and technology.

 

As a community-based hospice, Nottinghamshire Hospice has already earmarked some of the money for two new vehicles to support its roaming night service. It will also be investing in a wheelchair-friendly vehicle to bring more life-limited patients to wellbeing sessions. Nearby Rainbows Hospice for Children and Young People in Loughborough has also received over £425,000.

 

James Naish MP said the funding “will make a real difference for hospices serving our community that do such an important job supporting local families.” 

 

He continued: “I told the Health Secretary last year that it was important to invest in hospices so they could meet the challenges ahead. These challenges will grow year-on-year due to the UK’s ageing demographic and medical advances which are thankfully keeping people alive for longer.

 

“I am not only pleased that the government has recognised this call to action, but that the local cash injection will help our nearest hospices to continue the invaluable support they provide to Rushcliffe residents with life-limiting conditions.

 

“That said, just a third of hospice funding currently comes from the government. Given the scale of these challenges and the strong focus on community healthcare, the government must provide increased core funding to hospices so they can continue to provide life-affirming care when it matters most.”

 

Rachel Hucknall, CEO of Nottinghamshire Hospice, said: “We are delighted to receive this investment at a time when Hospices are facing so many financial challenges. Our care is focused on supporting people to die at home. Last year our overnight roaming service was used almost 7,000 times, so to be able to invest in 2 new vehicles for our care team ensures we will be able to continue to bring care into peoples’ homes and avoid unnecessary hospital admissions.

 

Minister for Care Stephen Kinnock 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. 

 

“I have seen first-hand how 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.

 

“End-of-life care is crucial to our 10 Year Health Plan and our fundamental shift of moving more care out of hospital and into the community. We will continue to support hospices so they can deliver their vital work.”

 

Other improvements planned at hospices across the country include:

 

  • Major building works and modernised facilities.
  • Digital transformation to improve data sharing between healthcare providers.
  • Development of outreach services to extend care beyond physical buildings.
  • Creation of more welcoming spaces for families, including outdoor areas.
  • Energy efficiency measures to improve sustainability.

 

The new cash injection from the government is for the financial year 2025/26 and will be distributed by Hospice UK. Hospices have been allocated a pot of funding and will be able to proceed with upgrades, invoicing Hospice UK once work has been completed.