Mountbatten CEO, Nigel Hartley, has spoken of his disappointment after the government’s autumn budget failed to include vital funds for hospices.
The sector is facing a mounting financial challenge, with some hospices cutting services.
For its part, Mountbatten is in the early stages of asking its staff and volunteers what they think are its most important services, before engaging with members of our community.
NHS funding not risen in line with inflation
Mountbatten Isle of Wight is one-third funded by the NHS, but this has not risen in line with inflation and that money is under threat.
Meanwhile, hospices like Mountbatten must absorb the cost of rises in National Insurance contributions, the minimum wage and the (deserved) pay awards for NHS staff.
It means the two-thirds of our funding which comes from our community is increasingly important.
Mountbatten services
Mountbatten provides 24/7 free and expert care to Islanders in the their own homes and in its inpatient unit.
Our staff offer bereavement counselling to anyone who needs it (even if they have no existing links to the hospice), as well as services like rehabilitation.
Mountbatten’s community and care-at-home teams provide vital support and early intervention, and Mountbatten is supporting more than 2,300 people on any one day, on the Island.
Hartley: We are now in a critical situation
Nigel Hartley said,
“We are terribly disappointed that hospice funding was ignored in this week’s budget.
“The extra £22.6 billion for the NHS is welcome, but it is unlikely hospices will benefit from this.
“We are now in a critical situation.
“Is this the beginning of the death of the modern hospice movement?
“We ask you to write to your MP in support of Mountbatten. Tell them how vital our services are to the Isle of Wight’s community.
“We are calling for an immediate cash injection from the government, and more financial certainty moving forwards.”
How to write to your MP
- Richard Quigley is the Labour MP for Isle of Wight West and can be emailed on [email protected]
- Write to: Richard Quigley MP, House of Commons, London, SW1A 0AA
- Joe Robertson is the Conservative MP for Isle of Wight East and can be emailed on [email protected]
- Write to: Joe Robertson MP, House of Commons, London, SW1A 0AA
News shared by Lucy on behalf of Mountbatten. Ed
