£313k Funding Boost for Saint Catherine's in Scarborough

The government money will be used to upgrade existing facilities and introduce new equipment.

Saint Catherine's is one of more than 170 hospices across England to receive a share of £75m of government funding - the largest cash injection ever - to ensure patients receive the highest-quality end-of-life care in comfortable, dignified surroundings.

Alison Hume, MP for Scarborough and Whitby, has welcomed the news that St Catherine’s Hospice is benefiting from a share of the £75m funding boost. After advocating hard on behalf of the hospice in Westminster, Ms Hume was pleased to see it awarded £313,138 as part of a government drive to continue improving end of life care.

Ms Hume said:

“I always mention the excellent work St Catherine’s Hospice performs whenever the opportunity arises.

“The support the staff there provide to patients and their families always goes above and beyond.

“They are invaluable to our community and this funding is going to help them build on the wonderful work they already do.

“It will make a real difference.”

Located in Scarborough, St Catherine’s provides specialist palliative care to people from across North and East Yorkshire.

Ray Baird, St Catherine’s chief executive, said:

“We are incredibly grateful to receive this funding, which is allowing us to significantly enhance the environment in which we care for our patients and support their families. 

“The investment is being used to comprehensively upgrade our hospice facilities, including modernising bedrooms and bathrooms, and introducing innovative new equipment that will improve comfort, dignity, and clinical care.

“These improvements are not just about buildings, they are about ensuring people at the end of life receive the very best, most compassionate care in a setting that reflects their needs. 

“This funding helps us to continue delivering on our commitment to excellence while looking ahead to a more sustainable and responsive future for hospice care.”

Minister for Care Stephen Kinnock said: 

"Hospices play a vital role in our society by providing invaluable care and support when people need it most. 

At this most difficult time, people deserve to receive the best care in the best possible environment with dignity.  

I have seen first-hand how our funding is already making a real difference to improving facilities for patients and families. This additional funding will deliver further upgrades, relieving pressure on day-to-day spending.

End-of-life care is crucial to our 10 Year Health Plan and our fundamental shift of moving more care out of hospital and into the community. We will continue to support hospices so they can deliver their vital work."

Toby Porter, CEO of Hospice UK, said: 

"The announcement in late 2024 of £100 million 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 £25 million of this funding early in March. We know this money has made a huge difference to hospices, and the next £75 million 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 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 government to make this a reality."