A HOSPICE in Coventry which cares for babies and young children has welcomed new government funding which will give it ‘stability, security and a future’.
Zoe’s Place Baby Hospice is celebrating ‘a major victory’ after the government announced an £80million package to support children’s hospices across the UK over the next three years, following support from local MPs.
Zoe’s Place contacted Coventry North West MP Taiwo Owatemi to highlight the urgent need for sustainable, long-term NHS funding.
Ms Owatemi then wrote to Care Minister Stephen Kinnock, forwarding Zoe’s Place’s letter and urging the government to provide multi-year funding to allow children’s hospices to plan ahead and maintain services.
The government has now confirmed children’s and young people’s hospices in England will receive £80million over the next three years, with £26million provided annually and adjusted for inflation. The funding will be distributed through local Integrated Care Boards on behalf of NHS England.
Joan Stainsby, Executive Trustee of Zoe’s Place, said: “The funding will support hospices in maintaining high-quality care, improving sustainability and protecting staff and family support services across the country.
“We are extremely grateful to Taiwo for raising this issue with the Minister and also thank everyone who has championed this decision.
“Zoe’s Place is often described as a lifeline by families who use our services. To be able to inform them that we can now offer them stability, security and a future feels incredible.
“While this is a hugely positive step forward, we know there is still more work to be done. We remain committed to pushing for continued improvements in funding and availability, so that every family can receive the care they need.”
Ms Owatemi welcomed the news as a significant step forward for families in Coventry and across the country.
She said: “Zoe’s Place provides exceptional care to seriously ill children and their families in Coventry.
“When they raised concerns about the lack of long-term NHS funding, I immediately took their case to the Minister. I’m incredibly pleased that the government has now responded with a three-year package that ends the cycle of short-term funding and gives children’s hospices the certainty they need.
“This is a direct result of Zoe’s Place speaking up – and of Labour delivering on its promise to support compassionate care in the community.”
Rachel Taylor, MP for North Warwickshire and Bedworth, also campaigned for the funding.
She said: “I’ve visited Zoe’s Place, and so I know what an incredible job their staff and volunteers do helping babies, young children and their families.
“I was more than happy to write to the government and support their request for a sustainable funding solution.
“I’m delighted that the government has listened and put an end to short-sighted year-by-year funding, so that Zoe’s Place has the financial certainty it needs.
“Their work is invaluable, and I know how much they mean to everyone who has used their services.”
