Families in Southport will start to see improved end-of-life care as the government brings in major upgrades to hospice services nationwide.
After lobbying hard on behalf of local hospice Queenscourt Hospice, local MP Patrick Hurley, welcomed ‘the biggest investment in a generation for hospices’, ensuring that hospices can continue to deliver the highest quality end of life care possible for their patients, families, and loved ones.
The improvements will help ensure that during life’s most challenging moments, patients and their loved ones receive the highest quality care in the most appropriate and comfortable settings.
Hospices will begin receiving £25 million for facility upgrades and refurbishments as part of the biggest investment into hospices in a generation.
Queenscourt Hospice in Southport will receive £137,157.
Other nearby hospices also in receipt of funding include St Catherine’s Hospice, St Joseph’s Hospice, Woodlands Hospice, Zoe’s Place and Claire House – organisations that make a huge difference to end of life care across the region and will have impacted many Southport residents.
Patrick Hurley MP said the funding ‘Will make a real difference for hospices in our community that do such a wonderful job supporting local families’.
The cash will be distributed immediately for the 2024/25 financial year, with a further £75 million to follow from April.
The immediate cash injection, allocated through Hospice UK from the Department of Health and Social Care, will enable hospices to purchase essential new medical equipment, undertake building refurbishments, improve technology, upgrade facilities for patients and families and implement energy efficiency measures.
The larger £75 million investment will support more substantial capital projects – including major building works and facility modernisation – throughout the next financial year.
The cash forms a key part of the government’s Plan for Change, improving care in the community where people need it most.
Partick Hurley MP for Southport said:
“I’m delighted that the government has allocated this important funding to our hospices.
“We want a society where every person receives high-quality, compassionate care from diagnosis through to the end of life.
“I visited Queenscourt Hospice at the end of last year and saw firsthand the compassionate and essential care they provide to those with life-limiting conditions. Their dedicated team offers dignity and support to patients and their families at such a difficult time.
“This government funding will make a real difference, helping to enhance the vital services they provide and ensuring more people receive the high-quality palliative care they deserve.”
Minister for Care Stephen Kinnock said:
“This is the largest investment in a generation to help transform hospice facilities across England. From upgrading patient rooms to improving gardens and outdoor spaces, this funding will make a real difference to people at the end of their lives.
“Hospices provide invaluable care and support when people need it most and this funding boost will ensure they are able to continue delivering exceptional care in better, modernised facilities.” Breakdown of funding:
Queenscourt Hospice £137,157
St Catherine’s Hospice (Lancashire) £166,720
St Joseph’s Hospice Association £66,973
Woodlands Hospice £20,172
Zoe’s Place – Baby Hospice £75,336
Claire House Children’s Hospice £172,160
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