Dr Kershaw’s CEO heads to Parliament to champion hospice funding reform

Dr Kershaw’s CEO joined hospice leaders at the Houses of Parliament this week to ask MPs to support reforming the funding model for hospices.

Since 2020, hospice costs in Greater Manchester have risen by 33 per cent and increased pressure is being put on local communities to cover the shortfall. 

Adele Doherty, The CEO of Dr Kershaw’s Hospice, joined hospice leaders to ask MPs to sign a joint letter to the Minister of State for Health and Social Care. 

The letter called for the government’s new 10-year health plan to include improvements to palliative and end-of-life care, and a reformation of the current hospice funding model. 

Currently £11.7bn is spent on health care for people in the last year of life in the UK, with 80 per cent spent in hospitals and just four per cent on hospice care. 

With the demand for hospice services set to increase and the cost of living at an all-time high, this means that greater financial pressure is being put on residents. 

Ms Doherty said: “The current funding model is simply not sustainable. While we are incredibly lucky to have the support we do, Dr Kershaw’s needs increased funding from the government to provide the care the Oldham community deserves. 

“People deserve to die with compassion and dignity, but due to underinvestment and rising costs, many hospices are struggling to maintain their services. 

“As a nurse with 37 years of experience, I know how much pressure the NHS is under. 

“Hospice care within the community, reduces hospital admissions, speeds up hospital discharges, and allows people to choose where they die. 

“By investing more in hospice care, we would not only be meeting the needs of patients but supporting the NHS for future generations.”