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HOSPICES which serve the people of Welwyn Hatfield have welcomed a £60m boost from the Government to help improve the quality of care for those nearing the end of their lives.

Isabel Hospice chief executive Nigel Furlong

Care services minister Paul Burstow said hospices would be able to apply for a share of the pot to help fund a range of projects.

These could include improvements to day therapy facilities, development of outreach services, or the refurbishment of inpatient areas or hospice gardens.

Mr Burstow said: “Our surroundings at the end of our lives play a critical role in our wellbeing.

“This money will help hospices all over the country make improvements such as redesigning rooms or putting in place facilities to help people remain independent.

“We are making this investment because we want hospices to be able to provide dignified, compassionate, high quality care.”

WGC-based Isabel Hospice has to raise £3m each year from charitable sources to fund its services, and chief executive Nigel Furlong said the chance to secure extra money from the Government would help.

He said: “Isabel Hospice has benefited in the past from such capital grants which have helped improve the physical environment for our patients, their families and carers.

“This latest announcement also provides funds for developing outreach services to support people in their own homes, which is a high priority for us, as it enables us to provide our patients with the choice to decide where they spend their last days.”

Keech Hospice Care, based in Luton, provides services for children in Hertfordshire.

Chief executive Mike Keel said: “In these challenging times, investment like this is vital.

“This new grant programme will make a huge difference to the quality of care that hospices provide.

“We will certainly be applying for some of this funding as we would love to extend our services further to make sure every patient receives a dignified death.”