£120,000 Government boost for Isabel Hospice frees up funds for patient care

Isabel Hospice has welcomed £120,000 from the Government as a first step to sustainable funding for palliative care.

The money is part of Labour’s Plan for Change and can be used to improve buildings, equipment and accommodation as well as develop gardens and outdoor spaces.

Dr Helen Glenister, chief executive of the charity based in Welwyn Garden City and a Bishop’s Stortford resident, said: “We are delighted to receive £120,000 from Government.

“Although restricted to facility refurbishment and IT improvement, it means we can use some of the resources already allocated to support our efforts to provide care to those who are impacted by life-limiting illnesses in eastern Hertfordshire.

“We are pleased that the Government has taken this first step in recognising the importance of hospices and trust they will look to find a longer-term sustainable funding solution for hospice care.

“Isabel Hospice has been supporting people in eastern Hertfordshire since 1982. Most of our care is delivered in the community, supporting people in their own home.”

The charity costs around £7 million a year to run. The NHS provides 31% with the rest from fundraising, grants and bequests.

The £120,000 boost has been hailed by MPs Josh Dean (Hertford and Stortford), Chris Hinchliff (North East Herts) and former The Bishop’s Stortford High School student Andrew Lewin (Welwyn Hatfield).

The Labour trio issued a joint statement: “This welcome funding will help to ensure the hospice can continue their invaluable work.

“We have all had the privilege to visit in the first few months since our election and know the incredible value Isabel Hospice provides to people with life-limiting conditions in our community.

“We are really proud that the Government understands the importance of hospices and is backing them with record funding. There is lots to do to further improve palliative care in our country, but this is very welcome news.”