Keech Hospice awarded more than £250k after MP’s campaign
A hospice based in Luton has been given a huge cash boost after a campaign by an MP.
Alistair Strathern, MP for Hitchin, had called on the Government to step in toalleviate hospice funding pressures.
And Keech Hospice has been awarded an extra £262,476, as part of an extra £25m funding for hospices across the country announced by Health Minister Stephen Kinnock.
Keech provides free specialist care for people of all ages with life-limiting illnesses, and supports their family and friends.
Mr Strathern has raised the issue of extra funding in the Commons and met with Minister Kinnock to discuss what could be done.
Liz Searle, CEO of Keech Hospice welcomed the funding.
She said: “Hospices like ours are facing mounting pressures from ever-rising costs coupled with increasing demand for our specialist services.
“This funding has a specific purpose for buildings and infrastructure use only, so we ask our community to please continue to support us to help us pay for our patient care and staff costs.”
The hospice’s costs are around £9.4 million a year to keep its services running.
She added: “While this funding is certainly a move in the right direction, we will continue to campaign for sustained government funding to ensure that high-quality hospice care remains accessible now and for many years to come.
“We are grateful for the support of all our local MPs, whose collective efforts and strong cross-party relationships are vital as we work together to secure sustainable funding for the hospice sector.”
Alistair Strathern MP said: “I know how crucial the work of Keech Hospice Care…is for families across our community at incredibly difficult moments.
“Their teams provide exceptional, compassionate, and expert support for people with life‑limiting conditions and for loved ones going through some of the most difficult times.
“I’m glad ministers have heard these calls and announced this welcome additional funding for our hospices.
“There is plenty more to do though. I’ll be continuing our work with both hospices to make the case for a long term, sustainable funding settlement.”