In light of the coverage of Esther Rantzen’s joining Dignitas I shine a light on hospice care.

Categories: Leadership and Opinion.

Here at The Norfolk Hospice Tapping House we are able to support patients who are entering the final phase of their lives and facing death, with a team of extraordinary professionals who deliver expert care both in the management of distressing symptoms associated with any disease progression, as well as recognising the emotional impact a life limiting diagnosis has on an individual and their family.

In 2023 we have supported 4,500 patients and family members.

Hospices like ours support people to have a good death, naturally. Hospices also support people to live well as they approach and navigate this final phase of life.

Only one third of our Hospice income is provided by the state, with the remainder raised by our local community. This is an unsustainable model that leaves essential care reliant on charity shops and marathons.  I have today raised this with James Wild, our local MP, for his urgent attention.

Nationally as demand for care soars, hospice income is shrinking with adult hospices in England experiencing a real-term cut in Government funding of £47 million over the past two years.

In an interview with BBC Radio Four, Victoria Atkins, the Health Secretary, spoke of £1.5 billion released from Government to support hospices in the last year. Our Hospice in West Norfolk has yet to benefit from any of this.

Whilst we are enormously grateful to our community and supporters for everything they do to help us raise the £2.5 million needed this year from charitable funding, we urge our local Integrated Care Board to reassess their contribution and offer further financial support to The Norfolk Hospice Tapping House so we are able to continue providing all of our care services.

If you, or someone known to you, is affected by a life-limiting condition you can seek support from The Norfolk Hospice Tapping House by ringing 01485 601700, or visit our website www.norfolkhospice.org.uk for information on the services we offer and how to make a referral.

Niki Ellis
CEO, The Norfolk Hospice Tapping House

 

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