On Wednesday evening at the daily COVID-19 press conference, the Government announced quarterly funding of up to £200 million to enable hospices to care for patients who would otherwise be in NHS hospitals.

We are obviously delighted by this announcement and have issued the following statement from our CEO, Tracey Bleakley:

“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.”