Hospices across the UK are discontinuing essential care services amidst rising financial challenges.
A report by Hospice UK, a charity which represents over 200 hospices throughout the UK, found that a fifth had made cuts during the financial year 2023/2024 because of surging costs and modest state funding.
Toby Porter, CEO of Hospice UK, said: ‘Too many hospices are in crisis. The small and wildly variable amount of state funding they receive has failed to keep pace with rising costs. Cuts due to a simple lack of funding to maternity, dentistry, or GP services would be unthinkable, yet end-of-life services are being slashed due to a broken funding system. The timing couldn't be worse, with demand for end-of-life care increasing.’
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Hospice UK highlighted in its report that the underfunding of hospices will increase the pressure on hospitals and other NHS providers. The charity has called on the Government to address the financial crises and prevent further closure of essential services.
Porter said: ‘Like many hospices across the country who are facing financial challenges, we are simply asking for a fairer and more equitable funding system to stop the postcode lottery that exists for end-of-life care. Surely everyone has the right to receive compassionate care at the end of their lives.
‘It is critical that the new government understand the scale of the challenge facing hospices, and ensure they are supported so they can continue to provide their vital care for dying people, for now and forever.’