Dr Neil Shastri-Hurst MP has welcomed the Government’s decision to extend the Children’s Hospice Grant, a vital source of funding that supports hospices providing specialist care for children with life-limiting and life-threatening conditions across England.
The announcement follows months of campaigning by Dr Shastri-Hurst MP, who has consistently championed the cause of children’s hospices and the families who rely on them. In July, he wrote a letter to the Chancellor, co-signed by fellow West Midlands MPs, urging the Government to renew its commitment to this essential funding.
This marks the second time the Government has acted to extend the grant in response to cross-party calls – a recognition of the indispensable role children’s hospices play in communities across the country.
Dr Shastri-Hurst said:
“Children’s hospices provide extraordinary care, not only to children with complex medical needs but also to their families, who face the most difficult of circumstances.
In July, I wrote to the Chancellor, alongside my West Midlands colleagues, to call for the extension of the Children’s Hospice Grant. I am delighted that the Government has listened and confirmed this vital funding will continue. It is a lifeline for so many families and a recognition of the remarkable work carried out by hospice staff and volunteers every single day.”
The Children’s Hospice Grant provides targeted financial support to ensure that hospices can continue delivering respite, end-of-life, and bereavement care. Without it, many services would face severe financial strain, threatening their ability to operate.
Dr Shastri-Hurst added:
“Whilst this announcement is welcome, we must continue to ensure that sustainable, long-term funding arrangements are put in place. No family should ever feel uncertain about the availability of care at their time of greatest need.”
