The government stated that the £1 million for end of life care has been earmarked for expanding the availability of hospice at home services, which are not currently consistently available across the country.
It is hoped that the funding will ensure that, through a greater level of clinical support in the community, more people will be able to die in their preferred place of choice.
“Investment in services which provide real choice for patients on where they want to receive their end of life care is very positive,” commented Emma Saysell, Chair of Hospices Cymru and CEO of St David’s Hospice Care, welcoming yesterday’s announcement.
Emma added that she is pleased that hospice at home has been seen as a priority by the Welsh Government:
“The announcement shows that the government recognises that the hospice at home model – which has been pioneered by the voluntary sector – is a good one,” explained Emma.
The distribution of the £1 million will be managed by the End of Life Care Implementation Board, which was set up last year to drive the implementation of the government’s End of life care delivery plan.
A number of voluntary sector organisations – as well as all health boards – are represented on the Board, and Emma hopes this means that the voluntary sector will play a key role in implementing new services.
The £10 million investment announced by the Welsh Government yesterday will also help improve NHS services for major health conditions such as cancer, diabetes, heart disease and stroke. As with end of life care, investment will be linked to condition-specific delivery plans, which have been put together by clinicians, patients and advocates and outline actions required improve patient outcomes and experience.
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