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Sister's Call: Fund Hospices Like Essential Services
19 Oct
Summary
- Sister urges shift from charity funding to sustainable model.
- Hospice care provided moments of clarity before death.
- Petition for sustainable hospice funding nears 100,000 signatures.
A grieving sister has initiated a public call for a reformed funding model for hospices, emphasizing their critical role in end-of-life care. Her twin brother, Tom Robinson, died at age 57 after spending his last two weeks at St Catherine's Hospice in West Sussex. During this time, the family cherishes "moments of clarity" with him, highlighting the profound impact of compassionate hospice care.
Esther Wigmore, the sister, argues that hospice care should not depend on charitable donations or fundraising events. She likens the need for end-of-life care to that of childbirth, asserting both are equally vital and require sustainable, guaranteed support. A petition demanding "sustainable hospice funding" has amassed over 100,000 signatures and is set to be delivered to Downing Street.
Medical Director Dr. Julia Fleming of St Catherine's Hospice acknowledges the increasing demand and the inability to serve everyone in need, underscoring the urgency for more equitable funding. Government officials state their commitment to improving palliative care through modernization frameworks and addressing national variations, citing recent investments in the sector.
