Exeter Hospiscare secures £175,000 funding boost to transform patient care

Exeter’s Hospiscare charity is set to receive a £175,000 funding boost to help improve facilities and digital services, as part of a major new Government investment in end-of-life care.

The money comes from a £25 million top-up announced by the Government for adult and children’s hospices across the UK. 

A total of 158 hospices are sharing the funding, which is being distributed by national charity Hospice UK.

The additional funding has been welcomed by Exeter MP Steve Race, who said it would make a “real difference” to patients and families across the city.

For Hospiscare, which provides specialist palliative and end-of-life care to people in Exeter, Mid and East Devon, the cash will help pay for essential upgrades such as building repairs, improved patient rooms, new outdoor spaces and better IT equipment.

It brings the total amount of Government funding allocated to hospices in England to £125 million over the past two financial years – described by ministers as the largest investment in the sector for a generation.

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Alongside the money for Hospiscare, Children’s Hospice South West has also been awarded an additional £309,614 to support its services for seriously ill children and their families.

That funding forms part of a separate Government commitment to provide £80 million for children’s hospices in England over the next three years, aimed at giving organisations greater long-term financial certainty.

Mr Race, who has been MP for Exeter since last year’s general election, said the funding underlined the importance of local hospice care.

“I’m really pleased that this Labour Government continues to recognise the important care that hospices provide,” he said.

“Hospiscare makes such a profound difference to people with life-limiting conditions and their loved ones in Exeter, and this funding – on top of the more than £500,000 announced last summer – will make a real difference.”

The MP added that he had been working to secure further local investment.

“I have been in touch with Hospiscare since I was elected and have pushed the Integrated Care Board to increase their share of funding too,” he said.

“I’m glad that this Government recognises the vital role of hospices, particularly as we move to provide more healthcare in communities rather than in hospitals.”

Mr Race also welcomed the additional support for Children’s Hospice South West, drawing on his own family’s experience.

“My family relied on our local children’s hospice for respite and support with my sister’s terminal condition when I was growing up, so I’m particularly pleased to see funding for Children’s Hospice South West,” he said.

“Together we can make sure that people approaching the end of their lives are treated with the care, dignity and respect they deserve.”

Care Minister Stephen Kinnock said the extra money would help hospices deliver improvements quickly.

“I am delighted that this additional cash boost has now been allocated to hospices,” he said.

“I thank Hospice UK for facilitating this so quickly, so hospices can swiftly contract any vital work and upgrades – making sure patients are being treated in the best possible environment.”

He added that the Government was committed to improving palliative care nationally.

“As Minister for Care, I am determined to transform palliative and end-of-life care by implementing a modern services framework,” he said.

“This will reduce the postcode lottery so every patient and family can get the high-quality care they deserve.”

The funding will support both capital improvements and digital innovation at the hospice, helping to modernise services and expand community-based care options in Exeter.

A Hospiscare spokesperson said: “We are extremely grateful for this additional funding, which will allow us to make key improvements to our facilities and services.” 

“These upgrades will directly benefit patients and families, providing a more comfortable and supportive environment for end-of-life care, and helping our teams deliver care more efficiently and effectively.”

The Government has confirmed it will publish a new Palliative Care and End of Life Care Modern Service Framework later this year. 

The plan is expected to address issues such as workforce shortages, inconsistent provision across the country and gaps in round-the-clock care.

The charity has long relied on a mixture of NHS funding and public donations, and leaders say investment in modern facilities and technology is essential to meet growing demand.

With the new money now confirmed, improvements at Hospiscare are expected to begin in the coming months.