Funding for Hospices

Written by Jenny Randerson and published in Cardiff Post on Thu 11th Jan 2007

In all the hue and cry about the Assembly Budget last week many readers may have missed another important decision the Assembly took. In a debate proposed by the Welsh Liberal Democrats we agreed to review the funding for hospices in Wales. We have been relying on hospices to provide the highest standards of care to patients with incurable illnesses, while the NHS only contributes a fraction of the cost of that care. In recent years we have provided just over 20% of hospice funding from the public purse and this is going down, not up. In the case of Children's hospices we provide only 4% of their costs.

In contrast in England and Scotland they are up well above 30% of funding and have a target to reach 50%. That is only fair and just. After all if hospices didn't exist then those patients would possibly have to spend their final days in hospitals paid for by the NHS.

Hospices are about more than just the buildings, many people receive "hospice at home" services which enable them to die at home, among their family, which is where most people say they would prefer to pass away.

I have met many representatives of the hospice movement in recent months. Last year I visited Ty Hafan Children's Hospice and I was bowled over by the magnificent care provided there. Last week I went to George Thomas Hospice, now in a wonderful new building in the grounds of Whitchurch Hospital. Both represent a high level of dedication, by both the professional staff and the army of volunteers who tirelessly raise money for them. Here in the Cardiff area, we also have services provided Macmillan Nurses and Holme Tower, run by Marie Curie. All the organisations are keen to remain charitable organisations but they want to be more fairly rewarded for the care, medical and nursing services they provide.

As we head fast towards 2007, my New Year resolution will be to do all I can to ensure that we get a fair deal for hospices so they can continue to provide their excellent service for patients.

Finally as Welsh Liberal Democrat spokesperson I want to wish all readers a happy and healthy Christmas and New Year.