STRETCHED finances at Barnsley Hospice will be handed a boost thanks to a new package of government support to improve experiences in end-of-life care settings.
More than 170 hospices across England will receive a share of the £75m funding - the largest cash injection ever - to ensure patients receive the highest-quality care in comfortable, dignified surroundings.
The Gawber hospice provided care for almost 500 people with life-limiting illnesses last year and needs to raise £3.5m every year to continue to provide care like it has done for the last three decades.
With just over a third of that coming from government funding, the rest has to come from the local community in the form of fundraising, donations and legacies.
It’s anticipated that the new funding - totalling £240,117 - could yield the creation of separate family rooms, solar panels to reduce energy bills and communal lounges to enhance experiences, according to the government.
Barnsley North MP Dan Jarvis told the Chronicle: “Hospices provide vital support at the most difficult of times, so it’s great to see that the Labour government are giving our hospices a £75m funding boost, including £240,117 for Barnsley Hospice.
“Everyone deserves dignity and comfort at the end of life, and as a patron of Barnsley Hospice I know that this funding will make a real difference.”
Minister for Care Stephen Kinnock added: “Hospices play a vital role in our society by providing invaluable care and support when people need it most.
“At this most difficult time, people deserve to receive the best care in the best possible environment with dignity.
“I have seen first-hand how our funding is already making a real difference to improving facilities for patients and families.
“This additional funding will deliver further upgrades, relieving pressure on day-to-day spending.
“End-of-life care is crucial and our fundamental shift of moving more care out of hospital and into the community.
“We will continue to support hospices so they can deliver their vital work.”
Despite its well-documented financial position, the hospice has undergone a miraculous turnaround since Martine Tune became its chief executive.
It was plunged into the Care Quality Commission’s lowest-rated category in 2021 and did not improve at its next inspection in January 2022.
However, by November 2022 it had been rated ‘outstanding’ and the turnaround has been widely praised - but it is constantly fighting a battle to raise enough money to keep its services running.
Toby Porter, chief executive of Hospice UK, said: “We know this money has made a huge difference to hospices, and the next £75m will continue to help them invest in their buildings, facilities and digital infrastructure.
“While this one-off investment has been very welcome, it’s critical that we continue to work with government to secure long-term reform to ensure hospice care is there for everyone who needs it, whoever and wherever they are.
“The government has just emphasised the importance of hospices in their plan for the NHS and the role they can play in shifting care from hospitals into the community.
“With the right support, there is so much more they can do to realise the vision set out - we look forward to working with government to make this a reality.”
