Thames Hospice’s, Deputy CEO and Medical Director, Dr Nick Dando responds to the autumn Budget calling for urgent action from the government.

"Yesterday's Budget announcement was a missed opportunity to address the severe financial challenges facing the hospice sector. The increase in Employer National Insurance Contributions will further strain hospices, which are already under immense pressure. Hospices provide vital specialist clinical care, both in inpatient settings and at home, giving patients and families a choice of their place of care and provide quality of life, to the end of life. We work in partnership with the NHS to alleviate pressure on the wider health system. How can long-term funding not be guaranteed? We urge the government to recognise the critical role hospices play and take urgent action to secure their future."

Thames Hospice is asking supporters to help raise awareness of the financial challenges facing the hospice sector. Write to your local MP to alert them to the hospice funding crisis by using Hospice UK's letter template: https://bit.ly/3UvvIY6