MP Chris Loder praises Weldmar as the critical funding shortfall for hospices is debated in parliament

West Dorset MP Chris Loder has contributed to a debate in parliament on the future of hospice funding, and praised the work of Weldmar Hospicecare.

He highlighted that the charity now needs to raise in excess of £27,000 every single day in order to keep delivering their services for local adults with a life limiting illness, on top of the contribution by the NHS. The funding from the NHS contributes to just 17% of Weldmar’s income as costs rise, demand for services increases, and patients have increasingly complex needs to be met.

This year alone, providing services will cost Weldmar around one million pounds more than the charity is likely to raise. This predicted shortfall in funding that is the equivalent of the cost of care provision for 438 local people.

As well as recognising that many of his constituents will have had loved ones who have been cared for by Weldmar in the past thirty years, Mr Loder also cited the care provided to his aunt, and that he remains ‘eternally grateful’ to the charity. He also quoted from an APPG (All Parliamentary Party Group) report into hospice funding, published in January of this year, which says, “Despite statutory guidance, ICB commissioning of hospice services is currently not fit for purpose and the value they provide for individuals and the wider health system is at risk.”

In highlighting Lyme Regis as a place where additional provision would greatly benefit the local community, the MP said, “Palliative and end of life care needs a much greater priority within the Integrated Care Partnership strategy. We want to make sure that we sustain Weldmar and other provision long into the future.”

He concluded by saying that, “In West Dorset we cannot speak highly enough of our hospice … we value the Weldmar team so much, and I actively ask the minister here and the government to give consideration to these matters.”

South Dorset MP Richard Drax also attended the debate and spoke up for Julia’s House.

Our message to the people of Dorset

In response to the debate, Weldmar Hospicecare’s Chief Operating Officer, Matt Smith, says, “Last night, MPs in the House of Commons debated hospice funding and the unsustainable funding model across the UK, which is impacting Weldmar Hospicecare’s ability to fund the growing demand for our services. We sincerely hope that the discussion between MPs last night is the start of our hospice care services, and those all across the UK, being funded fairly and sustainably in the future.

But we know these debates and negotiations will take time. But more people are looking to us right now – without that much needed additional government funding. We’ll be spending much more money this year than we are able to raise – the equivalent of providing care to 438 local people. We’re sincerely hopeful that the government will really listen, and act so we can protect these services that we all know are so vital for us, and for generations to come.”