Scottish Conservative and Unionist MSP for Central Scotland, Graham Simpson, has called on the Scottish Government to provide a long-term funding solution for hospices in Lanarkshire.
During General Questions at the Scottish Parliament, Mr Simpson asked the Minister for Public Health and Women's Health, Jenni Minto, to confirm when hospices in the region will find out how much money they’ll receive from the government.
Mr Simpsons call came after he met Gordon McHugh, Chief Executive of Kilbryde Hospice, and other hospice staff from the region at an event in the Scottish Parliament earlier in the month.
The event organisers, Hospice UK, estimate that 10,000 more people a year are expected to need palliative and end of life care in Scotland by 2040.
However, on average only a third of hospices’ incomes come from statutory funding, with the remaining two thirds relying on generous donations from local communities.
Mr Simpson says the global cost of living crisis, spiralling energy costs and the need to try and match the NHS pay award to attract staff means hospices in Lanarkshire are facing tough decisions about how to continue their services.
He added that without more government funding, “this will not only impact patients and families in the region” but also on the ability of hospices to ease the pressures on the wider health and social care system.
MSP for Central Scotland, Graham Simpson said: “Lanarkshire’s hospices are facing a perfect storm of rising energy and running costs, increasing staffing costs and a challenging fundraising environment.
“The Scottish Government must act now to ensure the long-term sustainability of the sector. Confirming how much money they’ll providing hospices would be a good start.
“A lack of funding will not only impact patients and families in the region but also prevent our hospices from helping the wider health and social care system – which too is under significant pressure.
“I welcome the Ministers commitment to finding a solution to this challenge but our hospices need to see a resolution as soon as possible”.
