St Luke’s Hospice to receive record government funding for end-of-life care

St Luke’s Hospice in Plymouth is set to receive £665,871 as part of a landmark £60 million government funding boost aimed at transforming end-of-life care across England. The announcement has been welcomed by local MPs and Plymouth City Council, marking the largest single investment in hospices in the country’s history.

The funding will be distributed among more than 170 hospices, enabling major upgrades to facilities, including family rooms, communal lounges, specially adapted beds, and advanced technology. The goal is to ensure that patients receive the highest quality care in comfortable and dignified surroundings, while also supporting families during the most challenging times.

Fred Thomas, MP for Plymouth Moor View, said:

“I am absolutely delighted that St Luke’s is set to benefit from what is a record cash injection into hospices across the country.

“I’ve seen first hand the incredible work they do there, and the support they offer to families across the city. But I have also been grateful to staff who have shared some of the concerns and challenges that they, and hospices across the country, have been facing.

“I’ve taken away those concerns and made the case that hospices need support from this Labour government, and that is what they are getting.

“This funding is the first step in transforming end of life care, and I am so pleased that the amazing team at St Luke’s are going to benefit from it.”

Luke Pollard, MP for Plymouth Sutton and Devonport, added:

“Over many decades, the dedicated team at St Luke’s have helped many thousands of people to die with dignity.

“Their professionalism and compassion is leant on at the most important of times. I know that this funding boost will make a difference, and I encourage people to continue donating too.”

Mary Aspinall, Cabinet Member for Health and Adult Social Care at Plymouth City Council, commented:

“End of Life care has been a subject we have been talking about a great deal in our council meetings so I’m very pleased that this Labour Government has allocated such vital funding.

“St Luke's provides invaluable support in our community for people with life-limiting conditions and their loved ones and this government funding will make a very real difference to people in Plymouth.”

Founded in 1982, St Luke’s Hospice has supported tens of thousands of patients and families across Plymouth, South West Devon, and East Cornwall. The hospice provides specialist palliative care, both in its own facilities and through outreach teams, ensuring that patients with life-limiting conditions receive compassionate care in their preferred setting.