Families across England are set to benefit from significant improvements in end-of-life care as the government unveils a major investment in hospice services nationwide.
Starting today, hospices will receive an initial £25 million for facility upgrades and refurbishments, marking the beginning of the largest investment in hospices in a generation. This funding will be followed by an additional £75 million from April, bringing the total investment to £100 million for the 2024/25 financial year.
The new investments aim to ensure that people receive compassionate care in comfortable, dignified surroundings during their most vulnerable moments. Upgrades will include the creation of outdoor gardens where memories can be shared and the renovation of patient rooms to make them feel more like home. These changes are designed to support families when they need it most, providing the highest quality care in the most appropriate and comfortable settings.
The immediate cash injection, allocated through Hospice UK, 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. This funding will be distributed to more than 170 hospices across the country, including those run by Marie Curie and Sue Ryder, as well as independent hospices like Zoe’s Place in Liverpool.
Stephen Kinnock, Minister for Care, commented:
“This is the largest investment in a generation to help transform hospice facilities across England. 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.”
The larger £75 million investment will support more substantial capital projects, including major building works and facility modernisation, throughout the next financial year. A key focus of this 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 to help support people who wish to receive end-of-life care in their own homes. Creating more welcoming spaces for families is another priority, with funding allocated for the renovation of family rooms and outdoor areas. These improvements will provide peaceful, comfortable spaces where families can spend precious time with their loved ones during difficult periods.
This investment forms a key part of the government’s Plan for Change, which aims to improve care in the community where people need it most. It also supports the government’s ambitions in the 10 Year Health Plan to shift healthcare out of hospitals and into the community, ensuring patients and their families receive personalised care in the most appropriate setting.
With this substantial funding, hospices across England will be better equipped to provide exceptional care in the best possible environments, ensuring that during life’s most challenging moments, patients and their loved ones receive the support they need.
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