News that a £40million grant for hospices will be reinstated by the new coalition Government has been welcomed by Redcar MP Ian Swales as providing “much needed financial support” to local hospices Zoe’s Place and Teesside Hospice.
The £40m capital scheme for hospices was announced as part of the End of Life Care Strategy but was later recalled by the previous Labour Government as part of its review of spending commitments made since 1 January. Liberal Democrat Health Minister, Paul Burstow confirmed the grant on 17 June and has written to all hospices affected, including Zoe’s Place and Teesside Hospice to confirm their grants.
Zoë's Place in Normanby offers palliative and respite care for babies/infants from birth to five years old who have life limiting or terminal illnesses, special and complex needs to varying degrees. Teesside Hospice Care Foundation was formed in 1982 as a response to the shortfall in specialised care for those suffering from a life limiting illness in the Tees Valley and North Yorkshire region. Both hospices will now be eligible for funding under the grant provided by the coalition Government.
Commenting Mr Swales said:
“Hospices’ good work extends far beyond their buildings. Although only a comparatively small number of people actually die in a hospice, a great many more benefit from their services and expertise in other ways, such as through day therapy or hospice-at-home.
“We’re fortunate in Teesside to have two world class hospices in the Teesside Hospice and Zoe’s Place in Normanby, one of the few dedicated children’s hospices in the UK
“I’m delighted that the coalition Government recognises the outstanding service provided by Teesside Hospice and Zoe’s Place and has acted to reinstate the grants cancelled by the last Labour Government. I’m certain that these grants will provide much needed financial support to these fantastic organisations. “
No comments:
Post a Comment