We are grateful to receive £86,000 from the Government’s hospice funding allocation — part of the £100 million pledged to hospices in England before Christmas.
However, this funding cannot be used for direct patient care costs, and it does not address the urgent need for sustainable funding for hospice care.
Please read our Chief Executive Iain Cameron’s response below:
“The recent announcement of £100 million in funding for hospices, particularly the £86K allocation to St. Michael’s, is a positive development that we appreciate. However, it is important to clarify that this funding is designated solely for capital projects and cannot be used for essential operational costs, such as salaries.
Whilst we welcome this support, it is not one-off capital funding that we need but ongoing, sustainable funding for core running costs to help us cope with the unprecedented financial pressures we are currently facing.
I believe it is crucial to be honest with our local community regarding our ongoing concerns. Despite this funding, our future remains uncertain. I have been engaging with MPs across the South to advocate for the need for long-term, sustainable funding for Palliative and End of Life Care. It is vital that policymakers commit to adequately supporting the cost of care and the remuneration of our remarkable and dedicated workforce. Currently, we simply cannot match the pay of the NHS; in addition, the increase in National Insurance and the rise in National Living Wage will inflate our costs from April 1st by over £150k, without staff receiving any more for their commitment to caring for patients and families.
The cost of running this community’s local hospice continues to fall firmly with the community to keep our doors open. Whilst our community has been incredibly generous, it is essential for the government to recognise the pressing need for additional support to ensure we can continue to be there for those who need us – both now and in the future.
I continue to welcome all MPs and policymakers to meet with me to discuss the real issues before we lose our hospice altogether.”
