As the new government gets to work, hospices are in crisis. Costs are rising, funding has stalled, demand for care is growing. Hospice UK is urging people to write to their MP to tell them about the UK hospice funding crisis.
Hospices are facing intense financial pressure. As costs have surged, local communities are doing their best to step up, but this isn’t enough. The modest amounts of state funding that hospices receive have not kept pace. And now the state of the hospice sector’s finances is the worst it’s been for 20 years.
Hospice UK is encouraging supporters to write to their local MP to show them how much hospice care matters. With hundreds of new MPs in place, this is an opportunity to become part of a national conversation and a call for change.
Declan Carroll, Chief Executive of North London Hospice said: “As I am sure you are aware, there are so many issues facing health and social care. We are an integral part of the health and social care system; however, the current state of hospice funding means that many of us are struggling to keep up with inflation and rising costs.
“We learned recently that we will not receive an uplift in funding from our local Integrated Care Board so we are now relying on our supporters even more, and as a result our financial challenges will continue, and perhaps even deepen. Other hospices across the UK are now having to make cuts to their services – something we will do everything we can to avoid.
“With around a two thirds of hospice sector costs being covered by fundraising and donations, the hospice sector delivers exceptional value for money. If hospices were to fail, the NHS would need to cover this extra cost, paying to care for all people with a life-limiting illness. Any reduction in hospice services will therefore inevitably lead to significant extra financial and staffing pressures within the NHS.
“So we are calling on our community to add their voice to Hospice UK’s campaign, so that every MP hears about the importance of hospice care. Hospice UK’s aim is to ask MPs to meet with them so they can explain the financial challenges facing hospices every day. Will you help Hospice UK reach and exceed their target by writing to your local MP?
“It only takes 30 seconds to do and could have a huge impact on the future sustainability of hospice services. Thank you for your support!”