Alison Hume praised the work of Saint Catherine's during a debate in the house of commons and called for hospices to be recognised as "integral partners within the healthcare system".
Scarborough and Whitby MP Alison Hume has called for a better system of funding for hospices, highlighting the need for more equitable and consistent support for the vital institutions.
Speaking in a house of commons debate this week, Ms. Hume praised the work of Scarborough's St. Catherine’s Hospice, noting that it has provided "loving care for individuals with a terminal illness and their families" for 40 years. She emphasised the extensive reach of the hospice, covering "more than 1,600 square miles" of North Yorkshire, and expressed gratitude for the dedicated staff, volunteers, and local community who contribute to its success.
Alison Hume acknowledged the government's recent £100 million funding package for hospices but argued that one off injections of cash are not the solution to Hospice funding issues.
She pointed to the lack of a "standard formula for funding distribution" for integrated care boards, leading to "disparity across hospices".
Ms. Hume said that St. Catherine’s receives only "approximately 30% of its funding from the NHS," which she deems "insufficient to meet the growing needs of the community".
Ms. Hume believes that a funding model tied to service outcomes, similar to the mental health investment standard, could provide much-needed consistency and accountability and take the pressure off fundraising teams.
The MP urged the government to recognise hospices as essential partners in the healthcare system and provide adequate support for their "extraordinary care" now and in the future.
The Chief Executive Officer of St Catherine's, Ray Baird has also welcomed the government announcement of new funding saying:
"I am deeply appreciative for the government funding which is being made available to hospices. This recognition for the work we do, and the current financial challenges we face, comes at a pivotal time for hospices like ours.
We are mindful that there are challenges ahead in making our case for government funding but we're hopeful the government will recognise the immense difference it would make to our sustainability.
Government funding would mean we could plan for the future as well as continuing to deliver compassionate and dignified high-quality care to patients and their families, during some of life's most difficult moments."
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