The cash boost is to be used to buy new medical equipment, refurbish buildings, upgrade technology and patient facilities, as well as to implement energy efficiency measures.
St Richard’s Hospice will get £172,108 and Acorns Children’s Hospice will get £302,003, which will be distributed immediately for the 2024/25 financial year.
A further injection of £75million for hospices will follow in April, which aims to support larger projects, including major building works.
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Both Worcester hospices receiving the funding have thanked the government but say that more still needs to be done to support them. St Richard’s Hospice has called for more long-term funding as it faces rising costs and increased demand.
Mike Wilkerson, chief executive of St Richard’s Hospice, said: “While we appreciate the government’s recognition that the hospice sector is underfunded, the short-term funding announced this week is to improve buildings, equipment and accommodation.
“This does not help us pay salaries, tackle rising costs or the increased demand for our care across Worcestershire each and every day.
“With just 20% of our funding coming from the NHS, and the vast majority thanks to the support of our incredible community, we continue to call for fairer long-term funding for UK hospices.”
Acorns, which has hospices in Worcester, Birmingham and the Black County has echoed this plea.
Chief executive Trevor Johnson said: “We welcome news of the funding allocation to Acorns and are very pleased to receive capital investment for our hospices in Birmingham, the Black County and Worcester.
“It will help us to improve our infrastructure and hospice facilities so we can continue to provide vital, high-quality palliative care that so many children and their families across the West Midlands rely on.
“We are keen to ensure that longer-term funding is put in place regarding children’s palliative care and look forward to being part of a conversation about this in the future.
“As the largest children’s hospice in the UK and Europe, we have a duty to continue our campaign for long-term sustainable funding for all children’s hospices. The children and families we support deserve the certainty and reassurance that the care they desperately need is safe, now and in the future.”
Minister for Care Stephen Kinnock said: “This is the largest investment in a generation to help transform hospice facilities across England. From upgrading patient rooms to improving gardens and outdoor spaces, this funding will make a real difference to people at the end of their lives.
“Hospices provide invaluable care and support when people need it most and this funding boost will ensure they are able to continue delivering exceptional care in better, modernised facilities.”
