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Labour said the hospice sector was being underfunded(Image: Halfpoint Images\/Getty Images)<\/p>\nLabour has pledged hospice-based doctors and nurses would see their wages rise to NHS levels if the party takes power at the Holyrood.<\/p>\n
13:09, 20 Jul 2025Updated 18:09, 20 Jul 2025<\/p>\n
Labour said the hospice sector was being underfunded(Image: Halfpoint Images\/Getty Images)<\/p>\n
The SNP Government must ensure that hospices in Scotland<\/a> are given enough cash to address the financial crisis facing the sector, Labour has warned.<\/p>\n The call comes after UK ministers announced \u00a375 million would be shared among 170 facilities in England \u2013 believed to be the biggest boost ever for the sector.<\/p>\n The cash will go towards building separate family rooms, adding solar panels to reduce energy costs and communal lounges.<\/p>\n Jackie Baillie<\/a>, Scottish Labour health spokeswoman, last week pledged hospice-based doctors and nurses would see their wages rise to NHS levels if her party takes power at the Holyrood election next year.<\/p>\n The Scottish Government promised in its budget to fund hospices to allow pay for staff to be increased to match levels in the NHS, but Labour has claimed the funding has not yet been released.<\/p>\n Baillie said: \u201cWhile the UK Labour Government is investing in hospices, the SNP is sitting on cash rather than giving this vital part of our health system the resources it needs.<\/p>\n READ MORE: First Minister not informed after massive UK Gov data leak<\/a>READ MORE: Taxpayers foot \u00a378m bill for faulty QEUH as scandal hospital marks 10th birthday<\/a><\/p>\n \u201cThe SNP committed to \u00a35 million in this year\u2019s budget to cover salary rises for last year, yet so far this has not been delivered.<\/p>\n \u201cThe SNP must give hospices the money they are owed and match Scottish Labour\u2019s pledge on pay so that staff are treated fairly and patients get the specialist support they deserve.\u201d<\/p>\n Baillie vowed Scottish Labour would increase hospice funding by a further \u00a33.6 million this year and \u00a33.3 million next year, in line with NHS spending, if the party wins the 2026 Holyrood election.<\/p>\n The UK Government announced its funding increase today, with minister Stephen Kinnock praising the impact of the facilities.<\/p>\n “Hospices play a vital role in our society by providing invaluable care and support when people need it most,\u201d he said. “At this most difficult time, people deserve to receive the best care in the best possible environment with dignity.<\/p>\n “I\u2019ve 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.<\/p>\n “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.\u201d<\/p>\n A Scottish Government spokesperson said: “We recognise the pressures hospices are facing and we greatly value the essential palliative care services delivered by hard-working staff.<\/p>\n “That is why we have already committed this year to supporting hospices to provide pay parity with NHS levels.<\/p>\n “It remains the responsibility of integration joint boards (IJBs) to commission palliative care services, including independent hospices, to meet the needs of their local communities.<\/p>\n “As such, we expect Scottish hospices and IJBs to continue to engage on any matters that may impact on the delivery of local palliative care services.”<\/p>\n