Matthew Brindley, Policy and Advocacy Manager for Wales at Hospice UK said:
"We welcome the Welsh Government’s Budget allocation of recurring funding for commissioned hospices across Wales. With demand for palliative care set to rise and services already under significant pressure, this ongoing funding provides much-needed help for a sector under strain.
"But there is still further to go. This investment must now be followed by swift progress on delivering a genuinely sustainable funding settlement for hospices whilst addressing the immediate challenges they face. Without timely action, there is a real risk that services will continue to be reduced, limiting access to care for people who need it most. Delivering on this commitment will be critical to building a lasting partnership with hospices, so everyone in Wales can get the end of life care they need, wherever they live.
"Hospices in Wales provide care and support to around 20,000 children and adults each year, yet approximately a third of their funding currently comes from Government, leaving essential services heavily reliant on charitable income at a time of rising costs and growing demand.
"We look forward to working with the Welsh Government to ensure hospices have the financial certainty they need to keep delivering the best possible care, both now and in the future."
