§ Bob SpinkTo ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make it his policy to ensure that(a) adult and (b) children's hospices receive a fixed proportion of public funding. [167229]
§ Dr. LadymanNo. We believe that decisions on local health care provision should be made locally. Primary care trusts (PCTs) are responsible within the national health service for commissioning and funding services for their resident population, including palliative care. PCTs are at the centre of the local planning process, working with voluntary health care providers such as hospices for adults or children who are viewed as important players and partners in the planning, provision and development of these services. The process of discussion leading to NHS funding agreements applies equally to hospices providing support and services to children as it does for those supporting adults in need of palliative care.
§ Stephen HesfordTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what the current arrangements are for funding hospices; what plans there are for changes in these arrangements; and if he will make a statement. [168076]
§ Dr. LadymanThe level of national health service funding provided for hospices remains a matter for local decision. There are no plans to change these arrangements.
837WPrimary care trusts (PCTs) are responsible within the national health service for commissioning and funding services for their resident population, including palliative care. Working as part of cancer networks, PCTs should negotiate and agree with hospices the level of funding support provided for agreed levels of service.