Hospice UK responds to Scottish Government's hospice funding announcement

Aileen Morton, Policy and Public Affairs Manager for Scotland at Hospice UK says: “We wholeheartedly welcome the increased funding for hospices announced by the First Minister today. This will be instrumental to supporting progress towards the Scottish Government’s ambition for hospices to have pay parity with the NHS. 

“Hospices in Scotland support 20,000 people every year and demand is increasing rapidly. Their services are invaluable to patients, families, and the wider system. But too many hospices are struggling with rising costs, especially the cost of paying their skilled and dedicated staff a fair wage that keeps pace with their NHS counterparts. 

“The Scottish Government has recognised the severe financial pressure hospices are under and the need to support them. We look forward to working with them at pace to developing a new national funding framework to ensure long-term financial sustainability for hospices. 

“Too many Scots, of all ages, are dying without the support they need, and demand is only getting bigger.  As we head towards an election Hospice UK is asking the next Scottish Government to commit to an independent review of palliative care.