The government has unveiled a landmark £100 million investment in hospices, marking the most significant funding boost in a generation. It says the initiative aims to ensure hospices can continue to deliver the highest quality end-of-life care to patients, families and loved ones.
A further £26 million will be allocated to hospices for children and young people in 2025/26, maintaining funding through what was previously known as the Children’s Hospice Grant.
Supporting compassionate end-of-life care
The funding will allow hospices to improve their facilities and services, creating a more supportive and dignified environment for patients. Enhancements will include refurbishing patient rooms and bathrooms, providing better overnight accommodation for families and upgrading IT systems to enable smoother communication between GPs and hospitals.
Hospices will also use the funding to develop outdoor spaces, giving patients and families access to greener environments, as well as expand outreach services for those receiving care at home.
Streeting: It is only right they are given the financial support
Health and Social Care Secretary Wes Streeting emphasised the importance of this funding, stating,
“Hospices provide the care and support for patients and families at the most difficult time, so it is only right they are given the financial support to provide these services.”
Strengthening community-based care
This investment aligns with the government’s broader 10-Year Health Plan, which seeks to shift healthcare out of hospitals and into community settings. Hospices, as part of the palliative care sector, will play a crucial role in delivering personalised care closer to home.
Dr Amanda Doyle, NHS National Director of Primary Care, welcomed the announcement, saying,
“It’s absolutely right that staff can provide high-quality and compassionate care to people at the end of their life in the best possible environment.”
A lifeline for charitable hospices
Most hospices in England operate as charitable organisations, with varying levels of statutory funding from the NHS.
Toby Porter, CEO of Hospice UK, described the funding as transformative,
“This funding will allow hospices to continue to reach hundreds of thousands of people every year with high-quality, compassionate care.”
OnTheWight has approached Mountbatten Isle of Wight for a comment.
Investment in digital and integrated care
A portion of the capital funding will support the digital transformation of hospice services.
This includes upgrades to IT systems and the integration of palliative care with broader community health services, ensuring patients receive joined-up treatment.
Kinnock: Enables hospices to provide the best possible care to their patients
Minister of State for Care, Stephen Kinnock, highlighted the importance of the investment,
“The £100 million capital investment that the government is announcing today will allow hospices to improve their physical and operational environment, enabling them to provide the best possible care to their patients.”
Looking ahead
Detailed funding arrangements will be shared with the hospice sector in the new year. NHS England has also published guidance and service specifications to help Integrated Care Boards prioritise palliative and end-of-life care.
With around 170 adult hospices and 40 children’s hospices in England, this investment promises to make a significant difference, ensuring that every person nearing the end of life receives care in a compassionate and supportive setting.
For those relying on hospice services, this funding represents hope and reassurance at one of life’s most challenging moments.
Comment from Island MPs
Isle of Wight West Labour MP, Richard Quigley, told OnTheWight,
“This is great news for hospices up and down the country and especially for our own Mountbatten Hospice.
“Hospice care is vital to the overall health service and I’m extremely pleased our government is acting in a supportive and responsible way to ensure the best quality care is delivered.”
OnTheWight also approached Conservative Isle of Wight East MP, Joe Robertson, for comment and will update once we hear back.
Read more about the funding announcement on the Government website.
