The UK government has announced £75m funding, which will be distributed to over 170 hospices, to enhance end-of-life care facilities in hospices across England.
The investment aims to modernise facilities, including specially adapted beds and technology, ensuring patients receive dignified care.
It follows a previous £25m funding injection in February, completing the government’s £100m investment plan confirmed in December.
The funds have already supported urgent building repairs and the creation of warmer, more homely environments for patients and their families.
The £75m funding is allocated for the financial year 2025/26 and will be managed by Hospice UK.
Hospices will receive funds post-completion of upgrades, ensuring they can proceed with necessary improvements efficiently.
Hospice UK CEO Toby Porter said: “The announcement in late 2024 of £100 million in capital funding for hospices was welcome recognition from the government of the immense pressure facing hospices, and their urgent need for more financial support.
“We were pleased to distribute the first £25m of this funding early in March. We know this money has made a huge difference to hospices and the next £75m will continue to help them invest in their buildings, facilities, and digital infrastructure.”
Hospices such as Wigan and Leigh have already benefited from this funding, using it to address infrastructure issues like leaking roofs and outdated heating systems.
The additional funds will further enhance patient comfort and care quality.
Improvements across hospices include major building renovations, digital transformations for better data sharing, and the development of outreach services.
The upgrades extend care beyond physical buildings and create more welcoming spaces for families, including outdoor areas and energy-efficient measures.
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.”
Garden House Hospice Care in Stevenage has refurbished its integrated procedures unit with eight new specially adapted beds and created a dedicated room for families.
Nurses are now equipped with laptops, enabling them to record notes electronically and reduce administrative tasks, allowing more focus on patient care.
Porter added: “While this one-off investment has been very welcome, it’s critical that we continue to work with government to secure long-term reform to ensure hospice care is there for everyone who needs it, whoever and wherever they are.”
“The government has just emphasised the importance of hospices in their 10-Year Plan for the NHS and the role they can play in shifting care from hospitals into the community.
“With the right support, there is so much more they can do to realise the vision set out in the 10 Year Plan. We look forward to working with the government to make this a reality.”
