The government has confirmed the release of £25 million for upgrades and refurbishments for hospices across England, as part of the biggest investment into hospices in a generation.
More than 170 hospices across the country will receive funding, including those run by Marie Curie and Sue Ryder, as well as independent hospices like Zoe’s Place in Liverpool, to improve end-of-life care services across England.
They will begin receiving the cash from today (26) for the 2024/25 financial year, with a further £75 million to follow from April.
This investment forms a key part of the government’s Plan for Change, improving care in the community where people need it most.
“This is the largest investment in a generation to help transform hospice facilities across England,” said health minister Stephen Kinnock.
“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,” he added.
Allocated through Hospice UK from the department, the immediate cash injection 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.
Toby Porter, CEO of Hospice UK, said: “The announcement before Christmas of £100m of additional funding for hospices in England was a significant boost, and today’s news of the allocation of the first £25m of this funding will be a huge relief for our members.”
He pointed out that years of rapidly rising costs have limited hospices' ability to invest in their long-term infrastructure, noting that this additional support will help address that challenge while also relieving the immediate pressures on hospice finances.
“The greater stability provided by the government’s funding injection this year and next gives us a golden opportunity to now reform the palliative and end of life care system, so it’s fit for the future,” Porter stated.
A key focus of the investment will be digital transformation, enabling hospices to modernise their IT systems and improve data sharing between healthcare providers.
The funding will also support the development of outreach services, allowing hospices to extend their care beyond their physical buildings. This includes investing in mobile equipment and technology that will help support people who wish to receive end-of-life care in their own homes.
