The Welsh Government has announced that additional funding worth £5.5 million is being provided to support Wales’ 12 commissioned hospices, including the two children’s hospices.
As the number of children and young people with life-limiting conditions increases, children’s hospices are playing an increasingly vital role in the health and care system. However, recent years have seen inflationary pressures drive their costs up exponentially.
The one-off cash injection, which is in addition to the £3 million uplift in recurrent funding announced in the 2025/26 budget, will help hospices manage growing financial pressures and mitigate the impact of Agenda for Change salary increases.
Our Head of External Affairs, James Cooper said:
"Yesterday’s announcement is good news, especially considering the rises in the number of children in Wales who need palliative care and in the cost of recruiting and retaining skilled staff. It is vital that Welsh ministers now work with Tŷ Hafan and Tŷ Gobaith to put children’s hospice care in Wales on sustainable financial footing for the future."
Irfon Rees, Chief Executive of Tŷ Hafan Children’s Hospice, said:
"The two children's hospices in Wales, Tŷ Hafan and Tŷ Gobaith, welcome the additional funding provided by the Welsh Government that will help them cover some of the historic rising costs of their care workforce. We remain committed to working with Government to secure the sustainable funding settlement that is desperately needed for the future."
While this funding provides essential support, long-term, sustainable investment in children’s palliative care services is still needed to ensure that all children and their families receive the care they deserve. We remain committed to ensuring children’s hospices and palliative care providers are adequately equipped to provide lifeline care and support across Wales and the wider UK.