Welsh hospice services could reduce without more funding

Hospice UK says the current funding model for hospices in Wales is unsustainable and nine of 14 hospices expect financial deficits for 2025–26; the Welsh government says it has increased investment this Senedd term and is developing a new hospice commissioning approach.

Hospice services in Wales are reporting growing financial pressure, and the charity Hospice UK has warned that the current funding model is unsustainable. Several hospices have reduced or paused services and one has closed amid rising running costs. Hospices provide about 95 inpatient beds across Wales and support roughly 20,000 adults and children each year, with around 60% of care delivered in the community. The Welsh government says it has increased investment this Senedd term and is working on a new commissioning approach. Key facts: - Nine of the 14 hospices in Wales reported they face a financial deficit for 2025–26. - Shalom House Hospice in Pembrokeshire has closed and a four‑bed inpatient unit at St David's Hospice in Holyhead is temporarily closed, reported as due to increased running costs and funding difficulties. - Hospices are reported to receive about 30% of funding from the Welsh government and the NHS and about 70% from charitable donations; around 60% of services are delivered in the community. - The Welsh government said it has provided an additional £5.2m annually and more than £9.5m in one‑off grants this Senedd term and that work on a new hospice commissioning approach is ongoing. Summary: Hospice UK has warned that adult inpatient and community hospice services are likely to reduce unless the funding model changes, which could affect service availability. The Welsh government reports increased investment and says it is developing a new commissioning approach to address access and sustainability. Several political parties have outlined responses or proposals related to hospice funding. The timing and details of formal changes to funding or commissioning were not specified.