West Midlands children's hospice warn of deep funding crisis
Acorns Children's Hospice say recent capital grants from the government are not enough to meet the real needs of hospices
A children's hospice operating in the West Midlands has raised concerns of a crisis lying at the heart of hospice care - a lack of funding for staff.
Acorns Children's Hospice have responded to the recent capital grants that are aimed at improving hospital facilities.
This month, the government announced that £75m is to be shared between 170 hospices across the country to help improve hospice buildings.
Acorns have welcomed the grants, but say they do not cover the cost of specialist staff that are essential to delivering care to children and their families.
Chief Executive of Acorns Children's Hospice, Trevor Johnson, says families and staff have been left with feelings of uncertainty due to the current funding crisis.
Mr Johnson said: "The recent announcement of Government capital grants for adult and children’s hospices is welcome and valuable.
"These funds will undoubtedly help improve facilities, upgrade equipment, and enhance the environments where care is delivered.
"However, there's a reality that needs addressing, these grants don't pay for a single minute of what truly matters, the compassion and love that defines hospice care."
Mr Johnson continued: "The hospice sector needs a balanced approach to funding that recognises both infrastructure and operational realities.
"While celebrating capital grants, we must simultaneously advocate for sustainable core funding such as regular, predictable funding streams that allow hospices to maintain appropriate nurse-to-patient ratios and competitive salaries.
"We should also recognise the long-term operational support and understand that the ongoing costs of compassionate care far exceed the one-time costs of facility improvements."
In February the Government said hospices would receive a multi-million pound boost to improve facilities, releasing £25 million for upgrades and refurbishments for hospices across England.
An additional £75 million was also made available from April to modernise facilities, improve IT systems and ensure patients receive the highest quality care.
On the announcement at the time, minister for care Stephen Kinnock said: "This is the largest investment in a generation to help transform hospice facilities across England.
"From upgrading patient rooms to improving gardens and outdoor spaces, this funding will make a real difference to people at the end of their lives.
"Hospices provide invaluable care and support when people need it most and this funding boost will ensure they are able to continue delivering exceptional care in better, modernised facilities."