The National Audit Office today released a report into the financial sustainability of hospices.
Its findings were stark:
· Hospice income is in decline with nearly two thirds of adult hospices in deficit in 2023-24
· Hospices are shutting beds and cutting services in response.
· Demand for hospice care is projected to rise.
LOROS Hospice is calling for this report to mark a turning point in the debate over hospice funding, and urges government to step in to create a more sustainable funding model.
Camilla Barrow, interim Chief Executive at LOROS, said:
“We welcome the National Audit Office’s report into the financial sustainability of hospices and hope it serves as a long-overdue wake-up call. The grave challenges many hospices face are all too familiar to LOROS. We have been forced to make painful cuts to our services — closing beds on our ward and reducing our day hospice provision.
“At a time when more people than ever need hospice care, this report must drive real and lasting change across the sector. Our incredible community has stepped up since we announced these cuts, showing tremendous generosity and support. But it is neither fair nor sustainable for local people to shoulder the majority of the cost of care.
“At LOROS, we believe this moment must mark a turning point — a watershed for the future of hospice funding.”
