Funding a “good death”: the financial crisis facing hospices

Abstract

Purpose This paper aims to highlight current finding issues relating to the provision of hospice care services which are largely provided by the independent sector and heavily reliant on charitable fund raising. The primary focus is on the UK, but it is an issue of relevance to many other countries around the world. Design/methodology/approach The paper is an opinion piece informed by contemporary reports, official publications and research findings, as well as the author’s own work within the hospice sector. Findings As with many other countries around the world, the bulk of hospice funding in the UK comes from charitable donations of various kinds. However, the impact of COVID-19 highlighted both the fragility of this funding model and the precarious nature of hospice sector finances currently. Practical implications This is an issue of growing importance that affects older people and their families not only in the UK but in all countries with ageing populations. Hospices play an important role in providing end-of-life care and, with demand for services steadily rising due to demographic trends, there are important questions about the sustainability of the current hospice funding model. Social implications Issues of funding require a much higher level of engagement from policymakers if hospice care is going to continue to play a significant part in achieving a good death for people from all sections of society. Originality/value Although hotly debated within the hospice sector and in official reports, this issue has yet to be properly examined within academic circles.