Our statement in response to the House of Commons Committee of Public Accounts ‘Financial sustainability of adult hospices in England report’

A statement from North London Hospice CEO, Declan Carroll

“There is an urgent need for reform to address the financial challenges that the independent adult hospice sector faces. The Department’s solution—the Modern Service Framework—is in the early stages of development, details are sketchy, and it is at least a year from being introduced. This is not good enough when so many hospices are announcing service cuts.” 

These are the findings of the House of Commons report which was released yesterday and coincided with Hospice UK releasing its Financial Benchmarking report data showing that nearly 60% (57%) of hospices have made or are planning cuts to services. 

Behind these statements and figures are people in real need – people we care for every day facing their most difficult days. According to the House of Commons report, “Too many patients spend their last days receiving palliative care in acute hospitals, which does not always achieve the best outcomes for patients nor represent value for money.” And yet the report goes on to say, “The Department and NHS England are not responding to the growing financial crisis in the adult hospice sector with the seriousness and urgency needed. The independent hospice sector is facing a serious financial situation that is already affecting patient care.”

Sadly, this is what we have been expecting. It comes at a time when demand for palliative and end-of-life care is rising, and lack of investment is creating unsustainable pressure. Our teams remain ready to deliver our vision of providing the best of life, at the end of life, for everyone. But we can only do that with a fair funding model.

It is heartbreaking to see hospices across the country making cuts to jobs and services. These are decisions no-one wants to make but the future of hospice care is fragile.

Time is running out and some hospices will have reduced capacity and services by the time the framework launches and subsequent funding is agreed. It has never been more important to secure a sustainable future for our sector and the time is now.