Political column: Victoria Collins MP hears concerns over hospice funding pressures

Victoria Collins MP visited Rennie Grove Peace Hospice Care to hear about the growing financial pressures facing hospice services, including a projected £3 million funding deficit, alongside the hospice’s efforts to raise awareness of its support within the local community. 

During the visit, Victoria met the charity’s new Chief Executive, Tom O’Connor, who highlighted both the scale of the hospice’s work and the challenges facing the sector nationally.

Rennie Grove Peace Hospice Care supports more than 3,200 patients each year, with most receiving care in their own homes. The charity is supported by almost 1,800 volunteers and has also introduced a self-referral system to make support easier to access directly.

The hospice highlights that they're there to help people in the community and offer a range of services for families. For those who are unsure, they're encouraged to fill out a self-referral and the team can help families know how and when they can help. 

Despite its vital role in the community, the hospice currently receives just 14% of its funding from statutory sources, well below the 20–25% many hospices typically receive. The hospice’s budgeted expenditure this year is £19 million, including a projected £3 million deficit.

Victoria Collins, Lib Dem MP for Harpenden and Berkhamsted, said: “Hospices like Rennie Grove Peace Hospice Care provide vital support for families at the most difficult moments in their lives.

“Yet they are being left to cope with rising demand and growing financial pressures without the long-term funding they need. Rennie Grove Peace Hospice Care receives just 14% of its funding from statutory sources, despite the huge pressure it takes off the NHS.

“The Government must deliver fair, sustainable funding for hospices, while local NHS bodies should review funding arrangements to ensure local services are not left behind. I will continue raising this issue in Parliament.”

Chief Executive of Rennie Grove Peace Hospice Care, Tom O’Connor, said: “Demand for hospice care continues to grow, but the financial pressures facing hospices are becoming increasingly challenging.

“We are proud to support thousands of patients and families each year with the help of nearly 1,800 volunteers, but sustainable statutory funding is essential if we are to continue delivering the care our communities rely on.”