Brenda Dacres OBE, Mayor of Lewisham, has welcomed the Labour Government’s announcement of a £75 million investment in hospices, aimed at delivering major upgrades to end-of-life care facilities across the country.
The funding — the largest ever single investment in hospices — will benefit more than 170 sites in England. It will be used to improve patient comfort and dignity through enhancements such as specially adapted beds, modernised rooms, new technology, and the creation of dedicated family spaces and communal lounges.
St Christopher’s Hospice, which serves Lewisham and the wider community, is set to receive £1,569,819 from this fund.
Mayor Dacres said:
“This funding will make a real difference for hospices in our community that do such an important job supporting local families. St Christopher’s Hospice provides exceptional care to people with life-limiting conditions and their loved ones. I’m proud to see this Labour Government prioritising end-of-life care and investing in the compassion and dignity people deserve.”
This investment forms part of the Labour Government’s Plan for Change, focused on delivering better care in the community and improving outcomes for people at every stage of life.
Councillor Paul Bell, Cabinet Member for Health, Wellbeing and Adult Social Care said:
“I’m delighted that this Labour Government has committed vital funding to support our hospices.
St Christopher’s Hospice plays an essential role in our community, providing compassionate care to people with life-limiting conditions and their families. This investment will make a genuine and lasting difference to the support they can offer.”
Minister for Care Stephen Kinnock said:
“Hospices play a vital role in our society by providing invaluable care and support when people need it most.
“At this most difficult time, people deserve to receive the best care in the best possible environment with dignity.
“I have seen first-hand how our funding is already making a real difference to improving facilities for patients and families. This additional funding will deliver further upgrades, relieving pressure on day-to-day spending.
“End-of-life care is crucial to our 10 Year Health Plan and our fundamental shift of moving more care out of hospital and into the community. We will continue to support hospices so they can deliver their vital work.”
Other improvements already made at hospices across the country include:
- Major building works and modernised facilities
- Digital transformation to improve data sharing between healthcare providers
- Development of outreach services to extend care beyond physical buildings
- Creation of more welcoming spaces for families, including outdoor areas
- Energy efficiency measures to improve sustainability
The new cash injection is for the financial year 2025/26 and will be distributed by Hospice UK to hospices. Hospices have been allocated a pot of funding and will be able to proceed with upgrades, invoicing Hospice UK once work has been completed.