Comment on Welsh Government extra hospice funding

Marie Curie Associate Director for Wales, Rachel Jones, said: "We are pleased to see the recognition of the continued challenges of hospice funding in Wales with this announcement today from the Health Minister and are grateful that the Welsh Government has worked in partnership with the sector to undertake this review.

"Over the past two years, we and our charity colleagues have faced an inability to carry out our usual fundraising activities, which rely so much on people being able to leave their homes and come together to support us in a variety of different ways. Now, at a time when our largest annual fundraiser, the Great Daffodil Appeal, is about to launch following two years of cancelled collections, this news is welcomed, but there is also more that needs to be done. A sustainable model of funding - which does not rely on supermarket collections and bake sales – which allows everyone to have access to good end of life care is vital.

"With that in mind, Marie Curie looks forward to continuing to collaborate with the Welsh Government and our commissioners in health boards on the wider phase two review of funding for the rest of end of life care across Wales.

"We are fully committed to continuing to provide compassionate care to as many dying people as we can, serve the public, and support our colleagues in the NHS in Wales both through and after the pandemic."