Hospices ‘need greater government funding’

A new study has revealed that hospices across the country are struggling to meet expenses, with many now in deficit.

Research from Help the Hospices reveals that over a quarter of the hospices in the UK are currently in debt, with a lack of necessary government funding.

The charity claims that the promise made by the government in the run up to the 2005 general election to double the investment for palliative care services is not being met, with many hospices experiencing a cut in government funding in real terms.

David Praill, chief executive of Help the Hospices, said: “The donations we get from charity fundraising activities in local communities are already badly needed and cannot be stretched to cover core NHS responsibilities indefinitely as well.”

He added that the ever-increasing age of the UK population results in increasing numbers of citizens living longer with terminal illnesses, with it essential that this issue is addressed immediately.

A Department of Health spokesperson told the BBC that increased funding is currently being considered by the government as part of its strategy on end-of-life care, while the government is grateful for the “immense contribution” of the third sector in this area.

Help the Hospices was founded in 1984 by the Duchess of Norfolk as the national charity for the hospice movement and seeks to support hospices in their work and give a voice to the charities providing the majority of hospice care.