Department of Health Reverses Funding Decision for NI Hospices
The Department of Health (DoH) in Northern Ireland has reversed its previous stance on hospice funding, pledging a total of £1.6 million to support palliative care providers across the region. This decision has been positively received by end-of-life care organizations.
The funding commitment includes £1.1 million allocated to the four main hospices in Northern Ireland and an additional £500,000 designated for the Children's Hospice.
This development follows earlier criticism when DoH officials acknowledged the recommendations from the Stormont Health Committee's inquiry into palliative care but indicated a lack of available funds to fully implement those recommendations.
It is important to note that these payments are one-time allocations and will not be repeated unless further funding is secured in the future. The Hospice Alliance, representing hospice providers, met with Health Minister Mike Nesbitt on Wednesday to discuss the funding and future plans.
Currently, only 30% of hospice services are funded by the government, with the remaining 70% reliant on fundraising efforts.
One of the key recommendations from the health committee's report was that all hospice care services should receive 100% government funding.
The committee also recommended introducing legislation to ensure the commissioning and funding of palliative care services in Northern Ireland.
'13,000 Patients and 30,000 Home Visits'
The Hospice Alliance includes Foyle Hospice, Evora Hospice, Marie Curie NI, and the Northern Ireland Hospice.
Trevor McCartney, CEO of the Hospice Alliance, welcomed the funding announcement, describing it as "really good news for the hospice sector," which has been experiencing a significant funding crisis.
"We're in a situation where the fundraising we would normally get is starting to become more and more difficult, so this is absolutely critical funding."
He emphasized that the funds "will go directly towards patient care," noting that the hospice sector provides care for approximately 13,000 patients and conducts around 30,000 community visits annually.
In a statement, the Hospice Alliance acknowledged that while the £1.6 million funding will address immediate financial challenges, securing long-term funding is essential.
"While this funding helps to address the current financial challenges facing hospices in the short term, the more important aspect is the minister's commitment that he and his department will work constructively with us to secure a fair and sustainable long-term funding model, in line with the recommendations set out in the health committee inquiry.
"This will ensure that, as we enter the 2027/28 financial year, there will be clarity and stability in place for hospice services for the years ahead," said the alliance.
Previously, DoH officials informed members of the health committee that achieving a 100% funding model for hospices would be "challenging" due to current budget constraints.
Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs) expressed strong criticism of the department's earlier position.
Health Committee Report Findings and Recommendations
The health committee's report on palliative care, published in December of the previous year, identified significant gaps in service provision. It highlighted numerous instances where patients were treated and died in emergency departments because out-of-hours palliative care services were unavailable.
Earlier this month, the committee recommended the introduction of legislation to guarantee the commissioning and funding of palliative care in Northern Ireland.
Additional recommendations included appointing a regional independent palliative care clinical lead and prioritizing palliative care services.
Health Minister's Response
Health Minister Mike Nesbitt commented on the funding and future collaboration with hospices.
"I welcome the hospice's commitment to work with my department to help develop the future of palliative care services.
"This investment will help alleviate some of the financial pressures hospices face and reduce the risk to the essential services hospices provide.
"I have also committed to undertaking an independent review of the comparator used in the funding model for hospice services, to ensure the model is fit for purpose going forward."
