Hundreds of hospice beds unused amid financial crisis
Summary
Around 380 hospice beds in England are empty because of financial challenges faced by hospices. Hospices, which rely heavily on donations and NHS funding, are struggling as costs rise. The government has invested in improving hospice facilities but not their operational costs.Key Facts
- 380 out of roughly 2,000 hospice beds in England are currently unused.
- Hospices claim financial pressures have increased from last year when 300 beds were unused.
- Hospices raise most of their income from donations and need NHS funding to cover the rest.
- Rising costs, such as salary increments and energy bills, have outpaced NHS funding.
- The government provided £100 million for infrastructure but not for operational costs.
- Five hospices have announced cost reductions, with some planning job cuts.
- Ashgate Hospice plans to reduce beds from 15 to six, affecting care for up to 600 patients.
- Hospice UK calls for a change in funding systems to better support end-of-life care needs.
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