Louise Bryan, Interim CEO and Finance Director of Havens Hospices, says, “Whilst we welcome the recent announcement by the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care regarding the extension to the capital funding scheme for hospices, this funding does not go far enough.  

“Like the earlier capital funding, if successful, we cannot use it to fund our day-to-day specialist care for babies, children and adults living with an incurable condition. It can only be used to upgrade buildings or IT infrastructure. This announcement will not improve the current underlying issue of inadequate, unsustainable and unfair funding across the sector, which is affecting the delivery of expert, specialist care to vulnerable people at the end of their life. 

“Hospices throughout the UK – including Fair Havens and Little Havens – are continuing to face financial difficulties as increasing demand and rising costs put pressure on these independent charities. Difficult decisions are being made across the UK about the level of care that can realistically be provided to local communities.  

“Just 14% of Havens Hospices’ funding comes from the Government to provide our free care. The majority of the remainder of the income we need relies on the generosity of local communities through donations, purchasing from our charity shops, taking part in events, or leaving a gift in their will, for which we are incredibly grateful. This care literally wouldn’t happen without our kind supporters.    

“We remain focused on working with our counterparts at hospices across Essex, local MPs and Hospice UK to advocate for a fairer, more sustainable funding model. Without it, these vital community services – an integral part of our healthcare systems – are at risk.” 

Published 9th January 2026