Blackpool’s Trinity Hospice setto benefit from huge government investment
Extra funding has been confirmed for hospices across the UK and Blackpool’s Trinity Hospice is set to benefit.
Labour’s Minister for Care, Stephen Kinnock this month confirmed an extra £25 million in funding for children and adult hospices across the United Kingdom.
Blackpool’s Trinity Hospice is one of 158 adult and children’s hospices set to benefit from this additional top up, with the government committing to a £208,602 investment to support the Fylde Coast charity which provides vital end-of-life care for the local community.
This money, allocated to individual hospices by Hospice UK, will help fund urgent building repairs, better facilities and patient rooms, new outdoor spaces, and improved IT equipment.
It brings the total funding pot provided to hospices to a significant £125 million across England over the past two financial years – the largest investment in a generation.
The additional investment follows the Government’s commitment to a multi-year settlement of £80 million across England for children’s hospices over three years, providing certainty for vital services providing support for seriously ill children and families.
What has been said about the announcment?
Minister of State for Care Stephen Kinnock said: "I am delighted that this additional cash boost has now been allocated to hospices. I thank Hospice UK for facilitating this so quickly, so hospices can swiftly contract any vital work and upgrades – making sure patients are being treated in the best possible environment.
“As Minister for Care, I am determined to transform palliative and end-of-life care by implementing a modern services framework. This will reduce the postcode lottery so every patient and family can get the high-quality care they deserve.
“This Labour Government is delivering an NHS that is fit for the future including by shifting care out of hospitals and into the community.”
Chris Webb, MP for Blackpool South said: “One of the clearest signs of a caring society is how we look after people at their most vulnerable. That’s something I’ve always believed, and it has been powerfully brought home to me during my visits to Trinity Hospice and Brian House in Blackpool.
“Trinity delivers crucial care and support in Blackpool and the wider area for people with life-limiting conditions and their loved ones.
“I’m proud that this Labour Government is supporting palliative and end of life care and this announcement will make such a difference locally”
Was anything else announced?
The Government will also publish a palliative care and end of life care modern service framework (MSF) this year, which will improve access, quality and sustainability in the sector.
The MSF is being developed through engagement with the sector and will address the crucial challenges the sector has warned about, including avoidable hospital admissions, variation in local and regional provision of care in terms of both access and quality, workforce shortages and gaps in 24/7 palliative care provision.