The Welsh Government has confirmed that 12 hospices in Wales will receive £4m of funding to continue providing crucial care.
The funding will help the network of hospices:
- Maintain services
- Meet staffing costs
- Improve the quality of end-of-life care
The investment is part of phase of three of the Welsh Government’s review into end-of-life care. A separate £4m was given to hospices in 2023/24.
Two of the organisations (Ty Gobaith and Ty Hafan) will benefit from £770,000. These hospices provide care for children and young people with life-limiting conditions.
The news was announced by Welsh health secretary, Eluned Morgan, who said services of this type are “highly valued” and play an “important role” in supporting families.
“we need a more sustainable funding model”
“They also support the NHS to provide essential care to around 20,000 who need palliative and end-of-life care every year,” added Eluned.
Hospices are traditionally supported through fundraising and charitable donations, however, the cost-of-living crisis had edged some organisations closer to shutting down, due to being unable to secure funds and therefore recruit and retain staff.
The investment has been widely welcomed by sector partners, although, many leaders believe a more long-term funding approach is the right way forward.
Matthew Brindley, policy and advocacy manager for Wales at Hospice UK, said: “This money gives hospices much-needed support and security now, but we will need to work with Welsh Government and health boards to develop a more sustainable and equitable funding solution”.
Marie Curie Cymru’s associate director of strategic partnerships and services, Rachel Jones, further added: “Today's announcement of funding to support charitable hospices in Wales is welcome but we need a more sustainable funding model.”
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