Hospice funding under scrutiny in Parliament
Hospice funding is under national scrutiny today as the Public Accounts Committee holds an evidence session examining the financial sustainability of adult hospices in England.
The session brings together sector leaders and senior health officials, including Hospice UK, NHS England and the Department of Health and Social Care, to explore how hospice care is funded and how provision can be sustained as demand continues to rise.
As England’s population ages, demand for end of life care is increasing. However, national figures show that many independent adult hospices are experiencing growing financial pressure, with a large proportion operating at a deficit while continuing to deliver essential care in their local communities.
Rotherham Hospice submits evidence on hospice funding
Rotherham Hospice has submitted written evidence to the Committee, sharing first-hand insight into hospice funding at a local level.
Our submission outlines the reality of delivering end of life care as an independent charity — balancing rising demand, workforce pressures and the ongoing reliance on charitable fundraising to support services that form a vital part of the wider health and care system.
Like many hospices across England, we continue to plan carefully to ensure services remain available for people and families who need specialist end of life care, now and in the future.
Why sustainable hospice funding matters
Today’s session is an important opportunity to improve understanding of how hospices are funded and the role they play within the health system.
A clear, consistent and sustainable approach to hospice funding would help provide long-term stability for hospices and ensure people living with a terminal illness — and those who love them — can access compassionate, high-quality care when it matters most.
Watch the hospice funding session
Oral evidence begins at 3:30pm today.
You can watch the session live via the Parliamentary website:
