I’m delighted that the Labour Government has just announced a £75 million boost for hospices across England, including £539,545 for Hospiscare in Exeter.
This funding will help transform end-of-life care, allowing Hospiscare to make major upgrades to their facilities.
That means more comfortable, dignified spaces for patients and their families – like separate family rooms, communal lounges, and specially adapted beds and technology. These improvements will make a real difference to the people who rely on Hospiscare during some of the most difficult times in their lives.
Since being elected last July, I’ve worked closely with Hospiscare and listened to their concerns. During one of our first conversations, they told me that only 15% of their funding came from NHS Devon, well below the national average of 27%. I raised this with the Integrated Care Board, and I’m pleased to say they acknowledged the historic underfunding and almost doubled Hospiscare’s funding for 2024–25, from £1.2 million to £2.24 million, with a commitment to maintain similar levels in 2025-26.
This new funding is another step forward. It’s part of the Government’s wider Plan for Change and the focus on moving more care closer to communities, rather than hospitals.
Our local children’s hospice, Children’s Hospice South West in Barnstaple, has also been awarded £814,983.
My family relied on our local children’s hospice for respite and support with my sister’s terminal condition when I was growing up, so I know that this funding will be put to good use to make sure that people approaching the end of their lives are treated with the care, dignity, and respect they deserve.
