St Giles Hospice has welcomed the news it will receive over £640,000 in funding from the Department of Health and Social Care’s £75 million distribution to hospices across England.

St Giles Hospice learned this week that it will receive the funding package, which will be used for essential improvements to buildings, facilities, and digital infrastructure.

The £640,000 of funding comes as welcome support for the hospice, which last year was forced to reduce bed capacity from 23 to 15 beds and implement 22 staff redundancies due to financial pressures facing the sector nationally.

However the hospice has stressed that more needs to be done to make it sustainable funding to secure the future of hospices nationwide.

St Giles has already put the first wave of government funding to good use, undertaking facility improvements and refurbishments across the hospice sites to enhance services for patients and families.

Elinor Eustace, CEO of St Giles Hospice, said: “We are grateful for this substantial additional funding, which provides crucial support as we continue to face significant financial challenges, including increased National Insurance costs and potential NHS wage increases.

“This funding will help us maintain our commitment to providing outstanding end of life care across Staffordshire, North Birmingham and surrounding areas. However, while very welcome, this highlights the urgent need for sustainable, long-term funding reform. The hospice sector cannot continue to rely on emergency funding packages – we need systemic change that ensures hospices can plan and deliver consistent, high-quality care without ongoing financial uncertainty.”

The announcement aligns with the government’s recognition of hospices’ importance in their 10-year NHS plan and their role in shifting care from hospitals into the community.

Toby Porter, CEO of Hospice UK said: “The announcement late in 2024 of £100m in capital funding for hospices was welcome recognition from the Government of the immense pressure facing hospices, and their urgent need for more financial support.

“We were pleased to distribute the first £25m of this funding early this year. We know this money has made a huge difference to hospices and the next £75m will continue to help them invest in their buildings, facilities, and digital infrastructure.

“While this one-off investment has been very welcome, it’s critical that we continue to work with the government to secure long-term reform to ensure hospice care is there for everyone who needs it, whoever and wherever they are.

“The Government has just emphasised the importance of hospices in their 10 year plan for the NHS and the role they can play in shifting care from hospitals into the community. With the right support, there is so much more they can do to realise the vision set out in the 10-year plan. We look forward to working with the Government to make this a reality.”