Hospices receive fresh government funding injection

The Department of Health has announced that hospices across England are to receive 60 million pounds of fresh funding to help improve care environments and settings.

A total of 176 hospices providing end-of-life care for children and adults will benefit from the support, allowing them to create new spaces for patients, families and carers.

Examples of areas in which the money will be spent include improvements to day therapy facilities – including the provision of transport services – as well as enhanced gardens and outdoor spaces, and refurbished bedrooms and bathrooms for inpatients and visitors.

This fund is being allocated in partnership with the charity group Help the Hospices and builds upon successful outcomes from the 40 million pound scheme run in 2010/11.

Deputy prime minister Nick Clegg said: "This extra funding will help bring hospices up to date, so staff and volunteers can work in modern environments, helping them continue to provide wonderful support with compassion and kindness."

The government is also aiming to improve end-of-life care through its current review of the Liverpool Care Pathway for Dying Patients, in response to criticisms of the way in which this methodology has been implemented within the NHS.