Pandemic has shone spotlight on value of care being provided

In the last two months, the value of the end-of-life service to the East Kilbride community has been hammered home.

Not only is the hospice continuing its renowned palliative care, but also offering additional support and resources to our stretched NHS in the face of this brutal coronavirus pandemic.

TheWestminster government announced quarterly funding of £200 million to enable hospices to care for patients who would otherwise be in NHS hospitals.

Hospice UK chief executiveTracey Bleakley said that the “unprecedented” nationwide funding of £200m per quarter “recognises the vital role that hospices play in supporting the NHS in helping its fight against COVID-19”.

She said:“It means that hospices across the country can keep providing beds, specialist clinical care and staffing to relieve pressure on the NHS at this critical moment.

“We are working with the NHS to disburse this muchneeded funding as soon as possible so that we can continue to protect the most vulnerable people in our country during this national emergency.”

Ms Bleakley added: “Hospices are on the frontline of providing care and support to almost a quarter of a million vulnerable people every year at the end of their lives, and depend on the generosity of their local communities to care for people and families affected by terminal illness.

“This government support is very welcome, but it’s still important that people continue to support their local hospice.”