Hospices across England are set to benefit from enhanced end-of-life care as the government announces a landmark £75 million funding boost.
This unprecedented investment will support over 170 hospices in delivering vital upgrades to facilities, ensuring patients receive compassionate care in comfortable, dignified surroundings.
The funding – the largest ever of its kind – will be used to modernise hospice environments, including the creation of separate family rooms, communal lounges, and the installation of solar panels to reduce energy costs. It follows a £25 million allocation earlier this year, fulfilling the government’s £100 million commitment to improving palliative care services.
Health Minister Stephen Kinnock recently visited Wigan and Leigh Hospice, which used its initial funding to repair a leaking roof. With the new allocation, the hospice will replace its heating system, enhancing comfort for patients and enabling staff to deliver higher quality care.
Hospices across England have already begun implementing improvements, such as:
- Major building works and facility modernisation
- Digital upgrades to streamline data sharing between healthcare providers
- Expansion of outreach services to support patients beyond hospice walls
- Creation of welcoming outdoor and indoor spaces for families
- Energy efficiency measures to promote sustainability
Garden House Hospice Care in Stevenage is among those leading the transformation. It has refurbished its integrated procedures unit with eight specially adapted beds and created a dedicated room for family members to stay overnight. Nurses have been equipped with laptops featuring single logins, enabling paperless note-taking and reducing administrative burdens.
This funding forms part of the government’s broader Plan for Change, aimed at improving community-based care where it is needed most. The £75 million allocation for the 2025/26 financial year will be distributed by Hospice UK, with hospices invoicing upon completion of upgrades.
Stephen Kinnock, Minister for Care, said:
“Hospices play a vital role in our society by providing invaluable care and support when people need it most.
“At this most difficult time, people deserve to receive the best care in the best possible environment with dignity.
“I have seen first-hand how our funding is already making a real difference to improving facilities for patients and families. This additional funding will deliver further upgrades, relieving pressure on day-to-day spending.
“End-of-life care is crucial to our 10 Year Health Plan and our fundamental shift of moving more care out of hospital and into the community. We will continue to support hospices so they can deliver their vital work.”
As the nation continues to prioritise quality end-of-life care, this funding marks a significant step towards a more modern, sustainable, and family-centred hospice system.
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