Marie Curie, a charitable organization, has called on Prime Minister Andy Burnham to allocate an additional £200 million per year to end-of-life care services. The charity states that this increased funding would serve as a catalyst for change, potentially reducing hospital admissions and saving the National Health Service an estimated £775 million to £790 million annually.
Currently, £9.5 billion is allocated to end-of-life care each year, with 81% directed towards hospitals rather than community-based services. Marie Curie argues that this imbalance leaves many individuals with limited choices regarding where they spend their final days.
Research from the charity indicates that more than 22,000 people in England are expected to die without the necessary support during the upcoming summer parliamentary recess. Matthew Reed, CEO of Marie Curie, emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating that nearly one in three people dying without adequate support should be a wake-up call. He urged Burnham to prioritize end-of-life care as part of his vision for a fairer health service that delivers more care closer to home.
"Charities should not be left plugging gaps in statutory care provision," Reed stated. "Nearly one in three people dying without the support they need should be a wake-up call. Action is urgent."
The NHS 10 Year Plan already outlines a strategy to shift care away from hospitals and enhance community services. Marie Curie suggests that a dedicated transformation fund, providing £200 million annually for the next three years, could expedite this process. The charity believes this investment would improve experiences for patients and their families while simultaneously alleviating pressure on the health service.