Alison Griffiths MP: Government funds for hospices needed

Bognor Regis & Littlehampton MP Alison Griffiths, right, has called for more government funding for hospices

I attended Hospice UK’s parliamentary event as part of Hospice Care Week 2024. At the event, I joined over 100 MPs in signing an open letter to the Minister for Social Care, calling for urgent reforms to hospice funding.

Hospice Care Week focused on raising awareness of the essential work hospices do in providing end-of-life care. This year’s theme highlighted the funding of care, as hospices across the country now rely more on the income from charity shops than government support. MPs heard from representatives of Hospice UK about the growing financial challenges the sector faces, exacerbated by rising operational costs and stagnant funding. I expressed my strong support for the sector. Hospices play an invaluable role in supporting families and individuals in Bognor Regis and Littlehampton at their most vulnerable.

The current funding model needs to change as it places essential services at risk. I’m calling on the Government to provide better financial support for hospices in our area and across the UK. During the event, I spoke with hospice representatives and heard first hand how local hospices are struggling to meet rising demands for care, with many being forced to reduce services.

I have pledged to continue working with fellow MPs to push for additional support and long-term reforms to ensure the future sustainability of hospices.