NEW investment in Acorns Hospice will aim to see improvements as the government brings in major upgrades to hospice services nationwide.
A key focus of the investment will be digital transformation, enabling hospices to modernise their IT systems and improve data sharing between healthcare providers.
The funding, £302,000, will also support the development of outreach services, allowing hospices to extend their care beyond their physical buildings.
This includes investing in mobile equipment and technology which will help support people who wish to receive end-of-life care in their own homes.
Creating more welcoming spaces for families is another priority, with funding allocated for the renovation of family rooms and outdoor areas. These improvements will provide peaceful, comfortable spaces where families can spend precious time with their loved ones during difficult periods.
The funding forms part of the government’s commitment to improving end-of-life care services across England, so hospices can continue providing exceptional care in the best possible environments.
It also supports the government’s ambitions in the 10 Year Health Plan to shift healthcare out of hospitals into the community and from analogue to digital, to ensure patients and their families receive personalised care in the most appropriate setting.
Trevor Johnson, chief executive at Acorns Children’s Hospice, 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.”
