Hospices and palliative care

That this House recognises the essential care provided by hospices and other palliative care providers, such as Weldmar Hospicecare and Julia’s House in Dorset, including end-of-life support and specialist care for seriously ill children; notes with concern that only 8% of Julia’s House’s income comes from public funding and that Weldmar Hospicecare is forecasting a deficit of over £1 million; further notes that hospices alleviate significant pressure on the NHS; and calls on the Government to fix the postcode lottery in palliative care, and ensure all hospices are properly resourced under a fair funding deal, with specific consideration for children’s hospices and those providing specialist care, to ensure they can continue to deliver vital services for vulnerable residents.