HOSPICES across the West Midlands are set to get Governments funds for upgrades and refurbishments.
The Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) announced £100m of funding in December as part of its Plan for Change – an initiative to improve social care across England – with £25m being released nationwide this week.
New investments in hospices will make sure people receive compassionate care in comfortable, dignified surroundings during their most vulnerable moments by creating outdoor gardens where memories can be shared and upgrading patient rooms, so they feel more like home.
The West Midlands will receive £2,090,595 to support hospices across region this includes Zoe’s Place Baby Hospice in Coventry, which will receive £75,336 and Acorn’s Children’s Hospice which is set to receive £302,003.
Trevor Johnson, chief executive at Acorns Children’s Hospice, said: “We welcome news of the funding allocation to Acorns and are very pleased to receive capital investment for our hospices in Birmingham, the Black County and Worcester.
“It will help us to improve our infrastructure and hospice facilities so we can continue to provide vital, high-quality palliative care that so many children and their families across the West Midlands rely on.
“We are keen to ensure that longer-term funding is put in place regarding children’s palliative care and look forward to being part of a conversation about this in the future.”
The immediate cash injection, allocated through Hospice UK from the department, will enable hospices to purchase essential new medical equipment, undertake building refurbishments, improve technology, upgrade facilities for patients and families and implement energy efficiency measures.
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.”
