Hospice UK response to Welsh Government appointments

Matthew Brindley, Policy and Advocacy Manager for Wales at Hospice UK says: “We congratulate Rhun ap Iorwerth MS and Mabon ap Gwynfor MS on becoming the First Minister of Wales and Cabinet Minister for Health and Care, and wish them every success in their new roles.

"Hospices are a cornerstone of Wales’ healthcare system. They support over 20,000 children and adults affected by terminal illness each year, easing pressure on the NHS and providing vital, compassionate support in the community. But they face major challenges. Demand for palliative and end of life care in Wales is soaring at a time when nearly 1 in 3 Welsh hospices are being forced to cut vital services.

"We welcome Plaid Cymru’s palliative and end of life care manifesto commitments, including the pledge to develop a new, sustainable funding model for the sector and look forward to working constructively with the Welsh Government to ensure every child and adult in Wales affected by dying, death, and bereavement gets the best possible care."