§ David TaylorTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans he has to review the funding arrangements for(a) children's and (b) adult hospices; and if he will make a statement. [122683]
§ Miss Melanie Johnson[holding answer 30 June 2003]: National health service primary care trusts (PCTs) play a pivotal role in funding services for their resident population, including hospice care. Voluntary healthcare providers, such as hospices, are important players and partners in the planning and development of 227W these services. They should engage fully with PCTs in discussing the level and type of provision which addresses local needs.
The New Opportunities Fund has allocated £48 million to support over 130 palliative care projects for children. Successful bids have largely been predicated on partnership working between the NHS and service providers. The national service framework for children, which is currently being developed, will set the standards for service providers in this area.
The NHS Cancer Plan pledged to increase NHS investment in adult specialist palliative care, including hospices, by £50 million per year by 2004. Ministers have set up a central budget of £50 million per annum for specialist palliative care for the three years from 2003–04. Funding will be allocated by a joint NHS/ voluntary sector national partnership group, which will approve local specialist palliative care plans.