Additional funding for hospices in recognition of impact of Covid-19

Health Minister Robin Swann today announced additional funding of £1.65 million for hospices in Northern Ireland.  

The funding, which is non-recurrent, is part of additional COVID-19 funding for 2020/21.  This is in recognition of the impact of COVID-19 and the additional costs that hospices face as they continue to provide palliative and end of life care during the pandemic.

The Minister said: “I am delighted to be able to announce this additional funding to hospices.  It recognises the valuable role that hospices have played in ensuring that palliative and end of life care has continued to be available during the course of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Hospices have been quick to adapt their services and respond to the challenges of these past months and I wish to thank those hospice staff and volunteers who have worked tirelessly to put in place new and innovative ways of working to ensure that holistic and person-centred treatment, care and support has continued to be provided for those who need it.”

Notes to editors: 

1. There are 4 hospices in Northern Ireland – the Northern Ireland Hospice (adult and children’s); Marie Curie Hospice; Southern Area Hospice Services and Foyle Hospice. Hospices provide a range of services to support people with palliative and end of life care needs, as well as those who are important to them.
2. The additional funding, which is non-recurrent for 2020/21, is being made in recognition of the impact of Covid-19 and the additional costs associated with providing palliative and end of life care during the COVID-19 pandemic. These include additional IT and licences to enable remote working and more services being provided in the community in people’s homes. Other costs include additional staffing, cleaning, decontamination and transport costs.
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