The new Prime Minister’s local hospice calls on him to deliver fairer funding
Wigan & Leigh Hospice calls on Prime Minister and local MP Andy Burnham to ensure fairer funding for hospices amid growing financial pressures.
Wigan & Leigh Hospice is asking its supporters to help send a powerful message the new Prime Minister, and local MP, Andy Burnham, urging his new Government to deliver fairer, more sustainable funding for hospices.
Supporters have been invited to share their own experiences of hospice care, explaining why hospice services matter to local families and communities and why something has to be done to protect these services for future generations.
The campaign comes as hospices across the UK face increasing financial pressures.
While hospice care is an essential part of the health and care system, NHS funding covers only a proportion of the true cost of delivering services, leaving charities like Wigan & Leigh Hospice reliant on the generosity of local people.
Pauline, a former Wigan pub landlady received support from the hospice earlier this year.
She provided her own letter of support to the campaign before her death last month.
Coming to Wigan & Leigh Hospice not only brought Pauline’s pain and symptoms under control, but it took some of the pressure off her 27-year-old son, Tommy who was caring for her at home.
This helped them to make the most of their final weeks together.
Pauline said: "I've never been a political person, but I do think it's unfair that so much of the money paying for my care is coming from the local community here in Wigan.
“Until recently I volunteered in one of the hospice charity shops, so I've seen how much goes into raising the money to pay for hospice care.
"The hospice has made such a difference to me and my family, and that's why I want to see fairer funding for hospices."
Every day, Wigan & Leigh Hospice provides specialist palliative and end-of-life care for local people living with life-limiting illnesses, helping them to live well for as long as possible and make the most of precious time with the people they love.
Its chief executive Jo Carby said: "Every day we see the difference hospice care makes to local people and those closest to them.
“We also see the growing pressures facing hospices across the country.
"As our local MP and now Prime Minister, Andy Burnham understands the communities we serve and the importance of the care hospices provide.
"Through this campaign, we're asking local people to help us show the Prime Minister what hospice care means to them and why fairer, more sustainable funding is so important.
"Until that happens, we remain incredibly grateful to everyone who donates, fundraises, volunteers, plays our lottery or shops with us. Their support makes our care possible."
Supporters are being encouraged to make a donation and add a personal message explaining what hospice care has meant to them, their family or their community.
Together, those messages will help show the Prime Minister why every community deserves access to high-quality hospice care and why hospices need a fairer, more sustainable funding settlement for the future.