- The government has confirmed the release of £25million for upgrades and refurbishments today (Wednesday 26th February) for hospices across England, including in Norfolk and Suffolk.
- An additional £75 million will be available from April as part of the largest investment in hospices in a generation.
- The funding will modernise facilities, improve IT systems and ensure patients receive the highest quality care.
Families in South West Norfolk will start to see improved end-of-life care as the government brings in major upgrades to hospice services nationwide.
After lobbying hard on behalf of St Nicholas Hospice, Terry Jermy MP welcomed the biggest investment in a generation for hospices, ensuring that hospices can continue to deliver the highest quality end of life care possible for their patients, families, and loved ones.
The improvements will help ensure that during life’s most challenging moments, patients and their loved ones receive the highest quality care in the most appropriate and comfortable settings.
Hospices will begin receiving £25million for facility upgrades and refurbishments from today as part of the biggest investment into hospices in a generation.
St Nicholas Hospice will receive nearly £100,000. Terry Jermy MP said the funding ‘will make a real difference for hospices in our community that do such a wonderful job
supporting local families across Suffolk and over the border in my South West Norfolk constituency’
The cash will be distributed immediately for the 2024/25 financial year, with a further £75 million to follow from April.
The immediate cash injection, allocated through Hospice UK from the Department of Health and Social Care, will enable hospices to purchase essential new medical equipment, undertake building refurbishments, improve technology, upgrade facilities for patients and families and implement energy efficiency measures.
The larger £75 million investment will support more substantial capital projects – including major building works and facility modernisation – throughout the next financial year.
The cash forms a key part of the government’s Plan for Change, improving care in the community where people need it most.
Terry Jermy MP said:
“I’m delighted that the Labour government has allocated this important funding to our hospices.
“We want a society where every person receives high-quality, compassionate care from diagnosis through to the end of life.
“St Nicholas Hospice do a vital and incredible job at providing support for people with life-limiting conditions and their loved ones. This government funding will make a real difference.”
Linda McEnhill, Chief Executive Officer of St Nicholas Hospice Care, said:
“We welcome this government funding and we’re grateful to Hospice UK for the work they’ve done to champion better funding for hospices like ours on a national level.
“Hospices play a vital role in ensuring people receive the care, comfort, and dignity they deserve, and this investment is a much-needed boost. While there is still work to do to ensure long-term stability for hospice funding, this support will help.
Minister for Care Stephen Kinnock said:
“This is the largest investment in a generation to help transform hospice facilities across England. From upgrading patient rooms to improving gardens and outdoor spaces, this funding will make a real difference to people at the end of their lives.
“Hospices provide invaluable care and support when people need it most and this funding boost will ensure they are able to continue delivering exceptional care in better, modernised facilities.”
Notes to editors:
Hospice UK is managing the distribution without charging administration fees.
