Hospices impacted by loss of income during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic have been allocated additional funding of £16.9 million by the SNP Government.
This follows £10.1 million in June 2020, taking total SNP Government Covid-19 support to almost £27 million.
Lockdown restrictions disrupted many sources of hospice income, such as fundraising events and charity shop sales.
Health Secretary Jeane Freeman said:
“We recognise the vital support provided by hospices at this challenging time and thank all of those providing direct care in Scotland’s hospices.
“We are committed to supporting our hospices based on need associated with their loss of income due to lockdown restrictions.”
Richard Meade, Head of Policy and Public Affairs, Scotland, Marie Curie said:
“Marie Curie needs to raise £250,000 per week to support our frontline services in Scotland. We are very grateful that this additional financial support for the sector will enable us to carry on supporting thousands of terminally ill people, their families and carers right across Scotland.”
Rami Okasha, Children’s Hospices Across Scotland (CHAS) Chief Executive said:
“The pandemic is incredibly tough for families of children with life-shortening conditions. Many are worried, isolated and on their own. CHAS is there for every dying child, and this emergency funding will help us be a lifeline for families going through the hardest of times.”
Kenneth Gibson added:
“Hospices fulfil an incredibly important role at the most difficult times. They offer dignity and specialised care at the end of people’s lives, helping both the patient and their family to focus on the time they have left together.
“Ayrshire Hospice’s alone supported 1,432 patients and families across Ayrshire last year, with nursing and care delivered to the highest standard. I am delighted that this additional funding allows that work to continue.”
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