Acorn's Children's Hospice welcomes funding boost but warns about future
The charity's been given around £900,000
Bosses at Acorns Children's Hospice have welcomed a £900,000 funding boost, but they say the organisation's long-term future remains at risk.
The West Midlands provider - which has a site in Walsall - says the government money can only be spent on upgrading facilities - and not directly on care.
Ministers have said end-of-life care is crucial to Labour’s 10-year health plan.
Chief executive Trevor Johnson said:
“We appreciate this one-off investment because it is important that we have got the very best facilities to deliver care to children across the region who are seriously ill,” said Mr Johnson.
“But we are not allowed to use this money to pay for a single nurse, or a single minute of care.
“At Acorns, the thing that makes the difference is the specialist palliative care we provide for children and support for their families who are facing the darkest times in their lives. This money does not help us with that.
“For these families the future is uncertain, and that’s why we are continuing to call for the Government to guarantee the Children’s Hospice Grant, or equivalent sustainable funding, to enable us to continue to provide the care they deserve for years to come.
“We’re asking everyone to support our campaign at www.savethegrant.com to secure the future of all children’s hospices, like Acorns, across England.
“Without this funding, we fear a future where we may be forced to turn a child or family away.”