Government announces £200m for hospices to support Covid-19 response

The Government has announced quarterly funding of up to £200 million to support the hospice sector in response to the Coronavirus pandemic. The funding will enable hospices to care for patients who would otherwise be in NHS hospitals.

During yesterday’s (April 8^th) daily government briefing to the press, Chancellor Rishi Sunak announced that the government would provide a total of £750 in funding to the charity sector, to ensure charities can continue their work during the coronavirus outbreak.

During the televised briefing, Sunak said:

“Our charities are playing a crucial role in the national fight against coronavirus, supporting those who are most in need.

“It’s right we do everything we can to help the sector during this difficult time, which is why we have announced this unprecedented £750 million package of extra funding.

“This will ensure our key charities can continue to deliver the services that millions of people up and down the country rely on.

He added:

“The UK government will also provide £360 million directly to charities providing essential services and supporting vulnerable people, as we battle the coronavirus.

“Up to £200 million of those grants will support hospices, with the rest going to organisations like St Johns’ Ambulance and the Citizens Advice Bureau.”

Responding to the announcement, Tracey Bleakley, CEO of Hospice UK, said:

“Hospice UK is delighted that the Government is providing up to £200 million of funding per quarter to hospices to help support the NHS and respond to the COVID-19 emergency.

“Hospices are on the frontline of providing care and support to almost a quarter of a million vulnerable people every year at the end of their lives.

“This unprecedented funding recognises the vital role that hospices play in supporting the NHS in its fight against COVID-19, and means hospices across the country can keep providing beds, specialist clinical care and staffing to relieve pressure on the NHS at this critical moment.

“Hospices depend on the generosity of their local communities to care for people and families affected by terminal illness. This government support is very welcome but it’s still important that people continue to support their local hospice.

“Hospice UK is working with the NHS to disburse this much-needed funding as soon as possible so we can continue to protect the most vulnerable people in our country during this national emergency.”