Stafford hospice welcomes government capital investment yet warns of continued need for future help
A West Midland’s charity CEO welcomed the government’s recently announced £100 million capital investment for hospices yet highlighted this will not resolve ongoing revenue sustainability issues.
Following the news of an investment boost nationally for hospices, Katharine House Hospice’s CEO, Dr Richard Soulsby, emphasised the need for revenue funding.
The new investment will be for capital costs such as building refurbishment and IT systems as the government stated it wants to “help hospices this year and next provide the best end of life care to patients and their families”.
Dr Richard Soulsby, said: “It is extremely welcome news that there will be an injection of £100 million into the hospice sector which will support much needed immediate capital projects.
“It signals positive intent from this government to ensure high quality palliative care is given to patients, their families and loved ones.
“It is much appreciated that in the first few weeks of her new role, our local MP for Stafford, Leigh Ingham, took time to visit our charity and then raised the issues we discussed directly at the highest levels of government.
“The Secretary of State has heard concerns raised by us and the wider hospice sector, and the government has recognised the hugely positive impact of hospices and our vital role within our communities to deliver outstanding compassionate care at end of life.
“As the need for hospice care is projected to substantially increase and hospices face financial challenges like never before, an injection of funds to improve Katharine House Hospice’s buildings and equipment is much appreciated.
“This does not however resolve the issue of longer-term sustainability of hospices and with employers’ costs rising at 10% per annum for the last two years and again in 2025 following decisions on the National Minimum Wage and National Insurance Contributions, revenue funding is still needed for day-to-day expenses.
“Further details on what project will be eligible and the mechanisms for applying for these funds will be made available in the new year and. We hope this is a prelude to strengthening relationships between government ministers and the hospice sector.
“Work is ongoing at national level through Hospice UK – a hospices membership organisation – to explain the difficulties of hospice funding to ministers.
“Katharine House Hospice’s problems stem directly from the massive underinvestment by Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent Integrated Care Board and its predecessor NHS commissioners in hospice services across Staffordshire. The funding increase of 1.7% this year was the first increase in 10 years and was wholly inadequate in addressing the 10% increase in wage costs in this year alone.
“The government has made a commitment to ensuring every person has access to high-quality end of life care, and research estimates one in four people who are dying nationally are not receiving the palliative care they need.
“This £100 million capital investment is very welcome, but it does need to be a first step by government to the creation of a sustainable funding model for hospices.”
Visit khhospice.org.uk to find out more.
