In response to the news from Hospice UK that hospices across England have faced a real-terms Government funding cut, Dr Sarah Holmes, the Chief Medical Officer at Marie Curie says:
"Imagining what will happen to dying people if hospices across the country cut back services breaks my heart. Without services like 'hospice-at-home', people with pain and other distressing symptoms are forced to make the impossible choice between struggling alone or having to rush to their local A&E and be admitted to hospital. This is highly distressing for them and very expensive for the NHS.
"Demand for end of life care is rising fast due to our ageing population. It is a critical moment for the Government to make sure hospices have the funds they need to play their part alongside the NHS. As we head into winter, it is really worrying to think what will happen to the people who rely on hospices if they disappear, and the heavy load that would place on the NHS."