Steve Brine has welcomed a new funding system to support children's hospices announced by David Cameron over Christmas.
The Prospective MP for Winchester, who has worked closely with the Sutton Scotney based charity Naomi House since they had funds frozen in the Icelandic banking crisis, said he was delighted to see the new per-patient funding stream for all hospices and other providers of end-of-life care, to ensure that proper funding for essential home and community-based care for sick children can continue.
The Conservatives have also pledged to continue the £10million annual grant for children’s hospices until the reforms become fully operational, so that there is no gap in funding.
Speaking about the announcement Steve Brine said; “Thousands of families in Britain are caring for terminally ill children. This New Year they’ll be coping with the worry of an uncertain future. It is essential that these parents and carers get the support they need to make life liveable, comfortable and fun for both them and their children.
“Hospices such as Naomi House locally provide a vital part of that support. They are a sanctuary for parents looking for specialist help and understanding, a special place for children to have short breaks and – most importantly – a loving, professional environment for care at the end of a child’s life. So it is extremely concerning to hear that the grant runs out in March 2011 and there are no current plans to renew it. I am delighted the Conservative Party is making this commitment to ensure that proper funding for this essential sector can continue.
“This is about prioritising what is most important in our public services. Like most charities, the recession means their donations are down so it’s more important than ever that they know they can rely on the funding they get from the Government.”
Pictured; Steve Brine with Naomi House Chairman Khalid Aziz on a recent visit to the newly completed Jacks Place @ Naomi House.