HC Deb 10 March 1987 vol 112 cc143-4
10. Mr. Spencer

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will make a statement on his Department's policy on hospices for the terminally ill.

Mrs. Currie

The Department's policy on terminal care is set out in circular HC874 issued last week. We are asking health authorities to examine their current provision of services for all terminally ill patients and to plan to rectify deficiencies, where possible in collaboration with the voluntary sector. I have arranged for a copy of the circular and the covering letter to be placed in the Library.

Mr. Spencer

Is my hon. Friend aware of the excellent work being done by the Leicester hospice, which has its day centre in my constituency? It has been funded by private donation as to its capital cost and 80 per cent. of its revenue funding comes from the local health authority. Does she not think that that spells out an admirable lesson in public and private co-operation for the Health Service as a whole?

Mrs. Currie

Yes. I am glad to add my words of praise, thanks and encouragement to the people in Leicester, particularly those in my hon. Friend's constituency who have worked together through LORDS—Leicestershire organisation for the relief of suffering—and the local health authority to ensure that the services can be developed and maintained.

Mr. Haynes

Is the Minister aware how attractive she looks today? [Interruption.]

Mr. Speaker

Order. I want to hear the rest of the question.

Mr. Haynes

Is the Minister also aware that I would like to praise those people back in the community, particularly in the constituency of Ashfield, who raise money for hospices? However, when are the Government going to stop street-corner begging to provide that sort of facility?

Mrs. Currie

In response to the second part of the hon. Gentleman's question, the circular I have just mentioned asks health authorities to describe in their programmes for 1988–89, as a start, what arrangements they have for financial support of hospices and voluntary bodies providing terminal care. They have been told that where a hospice plays an essential part in a health authority's overall plans, we expect them to make an appropriate financial contribution. In response to the first part of the hon. Gentleman's question, I thank him and I must say that he looks pretty cute today, too.