Hospice UK responds to Welsh Programme for Government

Matthew Brindley, Policy and Advocacy Manager for Wales at Hospice UK, said: “We are pleased that the Welsh Government has committed to tackling the challenges facing palliative and end of life care in its Programme for Government.

“This comes at a critical time in Wales, with almost 1 in 3 adults not getting the care and support they need at the end of life.

“Everyone living with a terminal illness should be able to get the right care in the right place, including at home. That means planning services around the needs of local communities, making sure specialist advice is available day and night, and giving family carers the support they need.

“Hospices are central to this. Each year, they provide compassionate care and support to more than 20,000 children and adults at the most difficult time of their lives, but rising demand and costs are putting this at risk.

“Wales needs to secure fair and stable funding for hospice care now. We estimate that an additional £30 million is needed to ensure Welsh hospices can continue delivering vital services throughout the remainder of this Senedd term.

“A recurring funding commitment for the rest of this Senedd term is an essential first step, safeguarding care today and enabling hospices, Welsh Government and the NHS to develop long-term, sustainable palliative and end of life services.”