Angela expressed her delight that Willow Wood Hospice received a £50,000 funding boost.
Labour’s Minister for Care, Stephen Kinnock MP, has confirmed an extra £25 million in funding for children and adult hospices across the United Kingdom.
Willow Wood is one of 158 adult and children’s hospices set to benefit from this additional top up. The money, now allocated to individual hospices by Hospice UK, will help fund urgent building repairs, better facilities and patient rooms, new outdoor spaces, and improved IT equipment.
It brings the total funding pot provided to hospices to £125 million across England over the past two financial years – the largest investment in a generation.
The additional investment follows the Government’s commitment to a multi-year settlement of £80 million across England for children’s hospices over three years, providing certainty for vital services providing support for seriously ill children and families.
Angela said: “Willow Wood Hospice delivers crucial care and support to people across Tameside and the wider area for people with life-limiting conditions and their loved ones.
“As a former home help, I’m proud that this Government is supporting palliative and end of life care and this announcement will make such a difference to the wonderful team at Willow Wood who provide such invaluable support in our community.
“Every time I visit, I’m blown away by the care and dedication shown by every single member of staff and volunteer. Their efforts are so very much appreciated.”
Tracy Minshull, CEO of Willow Wood Hospice, said: “It was a pleasure to update Angela on how the capital funding we’ve received is making a difference. We really appreciate her continued support and look forward to welcoming her again soon.
“We are very grateful to have received an additional £50,000 of capital funding, however, this is one-off funding that can only be spent on things such as buildings, IT systems and outdoor spaces, and does not cover day-to-day running costs.”
Minister of State for Care Stephen Kinnock added: “I am delighted that this additional cash boost has now been allocated to hospices. I thank Hospice UK for facilitating this so quickly, so hospices can swiftly contract any vital work and upgrades – making sure patients are being treated in the best possible environment.
“As Minister for Care, I am determined to transform palliative and end-of-life care by implementing a modern services framework. This will reduce the postcode lottery so every patient and family can get the high-quality care they deserve.
“This Government is delivering an NHS that is fit for the future including by shifting care out of hospitals and into the community.”
The Government will also publish a palliative care and end of life care modern service framework (MSF) this year, which will improve access, quality and sustainability in the sector.
The MSF is being developed through engagement with the sector and will address the crucial challenges the sector has warned about, including avoidable hospital admissions, variation in local and regional provision of care in terms of both access and quality, workforce shortages and gaps in 24/7 palliative care provision.