All adult and children’s hospices in England can apply for the money to make improvements to day-therapy facilities, including transport provision; developing outreach services; refurbishing inpatient, visitor and bereavement facilities; and gardens and outside spaces.
All applicants will have to prove that the money will be used to deliver improvements that directly benefit patients, have a tangible impact on the physical environment and provide value for money.
Care services minister Paul Burstow said: “We are making this investment because we want hospices to be able to provide dignified, compassionate, high-quality care and support to people and their families at what is a difficult time in their lives.”
Barbara Gelb, chief executive of Together for Short Lives, said the money will potentially benefit thousands of children and families.
“We will work with the Department of Health and the children’s hospices to help make sure that the money is used to make the greatest impact.”
Details on how and when hospices can apply for the capital grant scheme will be announced shortly.
