The CEO of Garden House Hospice Care in Letchworth has welcomed a parliamentary debate into hospice funding.
MPs took part in the debate on Monday, April 15, addressing the rising running costs hospices face for food, energy and staff pay.
Garden House Hospice CEO Lisa Hunt said: "Sustainable funding has been a long-standing problem for hospices.
"We’re aiming for equitable funding, whilst balancing the fact that the NHS is struggling too – I believe hospices should be part of that funding challenge to support an effective healthcare system. It's not going to change overnight, and we can be patient.
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"This year, Garden House Hospice Care’s annual running costs have increased from £6.4m to £7.7m – this means we have to raise £15,300 a day up from £9,700 last year (excluding NHS funding).
"To date, our services have been sustainable, but that's only because we've got the most incredible local community of supporters who believe in what we do and can see how our services impact on them and their families."
Hospice UK, the national charity for hospice and palliative care, estimates that the hospice sector is on track for a deficit of £77m for the financial year 2023 to 2024.
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