HOSPICE chiefs have welcomed a major cash injection from NHS England to boost funding for children’s hospices nationwide.
The annual Children’s Hospice Grant provided by NHS England is set to increase from £11million to £25million, meaning children’s hospices like Acorns Children’s Hospice will be better able to provide the lifeline services local children and their families need.
The announcement follows a national campaign led by children’s hospice charity Together for Short Lives with support from Acorns Chief Executive Toby Porter and parent Kirsty Murray whose family used Acorns services.
“We are thrilled NHS England has made the decision to increase the Children’s Hospice Grant from April. After many years where the grant has not risen, we welcome the recognition that children’s hospices face exactly the same cost pressures as the wider NHS, and need more funding from the Government,” Mr Porter said.
“The Children’s Hospice Grant has become a critical source of income for Acorns and for the wider children’s hospice sector. As soon as we learn exactly when and how this increased funding will be applied, we can plan to maintain our high quality and invaluable care for children and families.
“The increase of this grant is important news for Acorns and for the children and families we support,” he added.
