St Elizabeth Hospice and East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices to receive share of £25m in Government funding as Ipswich MP comes to visit

A hospice welcomed an MP today as it was announced that it and another Suffolk charity would receive a share of £25 million in funding.

The Government has revealed that St Elizabeth Hospice will be given £239,262 while East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH) will receive £222,453 to help pay for upgrades.

The money could go towards new medical equipment, refurbishments, technology, upgraded facilities for patients and families, or energy efficiency.

An additional £75 million will be available from April for hospices up and down the country in what the Government is calling the ‘largest investment in hospices in a generation’.

Jack Abbott, MP for Ipswich, visited St Elizabeth Hospice today to learn about their work providing end-of-life and palliative care.

Following the visit, Mr Abbott said the hospice charity sits at the heart of the community, providing care when it is most needed.

He said: “It was an honour to visit today and meet the dedicated staff who work tirelessly to support patients and their families.”

"I also recently visited East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices and saw the life-changing care they provide for children and young people with life-limiting conditions.

“The support they offer to families is invaluable, ensuring children receive the best care in a warm and nurturing environment.

"This investment will make a real difference, allowing both St Elizabeth Hospice and EACH to improve facilities and continue delivering outstanding care. I am proud to stand alongside them in welcoming this funding.”

The money will be given for the 2024/25 financial year, with shares from the £75 million pot to come from April and comes from the Department of Health and Social Care.

St Elizabeth Hospice is based in Ipswich and also provides care in east and mid Suffolk, including Stowmarket.

EACH runs The Treehouse, in Ipswich, as well as Milton, in Cambridge, and The Nook, near Norwich.

Judi Newman, chief executive of St Elizabeth Hospice, said the team saw every day the profound impact of hospice care.

She said: “This investment will allow us to enhance our environment, ensuring that every person who comes through our doors receives care, comfort, and dignity when they need it most.”