4. Statement by the Minister for Health and Social Services: Reform of Hospice Funding

Part of the debate – in the Senedd at 3:57 pm on 25 January 2022.

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Photo of Gareth Davies Gareth Davies Conservative 3:57, 25 January 2022

Thank you for your statement this afternoon, Minister. The hospice movement is a truly amazing addition to healthcare in the UK, as they fill the gap left by statutory services. One of the sad realities of life, unfortunately, and one of the sole guarantees in life, is that we all do eventually pass away, and hospices are there to help ensure that those with a terminal illness can have choices about their end of life. My constituents in the Vale of Clwyd are lucky to have the fantastic St Kentigern, based in St Asaph, to provide excellent palliative care. Minister, St Kentigern receives just over a sixth of its funding from statutory sources. Do you think that that's sustainable or fair, given the valuable service it provides to my constituents in the entire north-east Wales region? Even when funding is provided, St Kentigern gets a lower share than similar providers in the south. So, what are you doing to address this disparity? And finally, do you agree that, while no-one should die in an acute hospital bed, not everyone wants to die at home? And therefore, what plans do the Welsh Government have to fund increasing bed capacity at places like St Kentigern to give everyone a choice about how they die with a terminal illness?