Michelle Kabia, Chief Executive of Farleigh Hospice, says:
“This week’s Public Accounts Committee report on the financial sustainability of adult hospices in England, highlights what many of us in the sector are already facing – increasing demand for palliative and end-of-life care, alongside growing financial pressures and sustained deficits.
The report rightly recognises that the current system is not sustainable. Too much reliance is placed on charitable income, while funding mechanisms do not fully reflect the value hospices bring, both in improving quality of life and reducing pressure on the NHS.
We welcome the call for urgent reform, clearer national leadership, and a move towards fair, outcomes-based commissioning. The pace of change must match the urgency of the situation – many hospices are already having to make difficult decisions about their services.
At Farleigh Hospice, we remain committed to delivering compassionate, specialist care and support for our community. However, we need a sustainable funding model, stronger partnership with the NHS, and meaningful investment that reflects the true cost and value of what we provide.
Now is the time for urgent action – not just acknowledgement.”
Read the report: *Financial sustainability of adult hospices in England.