I have been delighted by one of David Cameron’s policy commitments made in the New Year which I wanted to make sure I passed on. As a long-time supporter of Children’s Hospices, and a campaigner for a better funding deal, I am so pleased that we have made a great step forward. Brian House is a much-loved local institution which thousands support financially. Donna’s Dream House is equally deserving – Len Curtis got a well-deserved MBE in the New Year’s Honours for all his efforts. I know people have had a go because David Cameron said he’ll cut the deficit but not the NHS – so here is one example of what we mean in practice. Children’s hospices funding arrangements are based on grants that run out in March 2011. David Cameron has now said that we will continue this grant beyond 2011 whilst creating a funding system which is on a ‘per-patient’ basis so that unmet need can be met. At the moment, hospices get a lump of money that isn’t really related to how many children they have to care for. If hospice funding is to be put on a more sustainable footing, that has to change.
As David Cameron himself said when he visited a children’s hospice in Loughborough: “Hospices provide a vital part of that support … they are a sanctuary for parents looking for specialist help and understanding, a special place for children to have short breaks and – most importantly – a loving, professional environment for care at the end of a child’s life”. This is about prioritising what is most important in our public services – and nothing can be more important than caring for our most vulnerable children.”
Chief Executive of Children’s Hospices UK, Barbara Gelb, has also said that she is “delighted that the Conservatives have pledged to extend central government funding of children’ hospices, which is currently worth £10 million a year, as a bridge to getting more funding locally. We will continue to seek a similar commitment from all political parties”.
Sometimes politics is about the little decisions that have a big impact on a person’s life. When it comes to children’s hospices, that impact can be priceless.
Hello, and thanks for visiting my site! As the Conservative MP for Blackpool North and Cleveleys, my job is to serve the interests of my constituents and represent their concerns in Westminster. Hopefully, my website will bring you a little bit closer to what is happening and how you can get involved. Find out about where I stand on the things that affect us locally and how you can share your thoughts with me by using the links at the top of the page. I look forward to hearing from you!