Labour’s MP for Huddersfield, Harpreet Uppal, has echoed her calls for long-term support for hospices during a debate in Parliament.
During a debate in the House of Commons, Ms Uppal told of the vital role the Forget Me Not Children’s Hospice and The Kirkwood play in supporting individuals and families facing life-limiting conditions. The MP has also written directly to the Minister of State at the Department of Health and Social Care, Stephen Kinnock, to raise the issue of hospice funding.
She said: “Hospices like Forget Me Not and The Kirkwood are lifelines for our community. They provide not just medical care but emotional, psychological, and practical support, ensuring dignity and compassion for patients and their families.”
Ms Uppal has continued to champion the need for sustainable funding for hospices. She has raised this issue directly with ministers in previous Parliamentary sessions, hosted discussions with representatives from the hospice movement, and engaged with local hospice leaders to understand the challenges they face.
Ms Uppal described the recent expansion of hospice funding as a “crucial step” but stressed the need for a long-term approach. She said: “We need a comprehensive, sustainable funding framework to give hospices the certainty they need to plan for the future.”
She also drew attention to the ongoing financial pressures on many hospices, including Forget Me Not Children’s Hospice, which recently launched an urgent appeal to address a £1m funding gap. “This illustrates the scale of the challenge and reinforces why we must secure long-term solutions,” she said.
In her speech, Ms Uppal addressed delays in accessing the £26m NHS England funding for children’s hospices, known as the Children’s Hospice Grant. She has raised concerns about its recent distribution through Integrated Care Boards, which has caused delays for hospices directly with the Health Secretary, Wes Streeting.
Ms Uppal called for this funding to be ringfenced and centrally managed by NHS England to ensure it is not diverted elsewhere. “As someone who has worked closely with these organisations, I know the challenges they face and the incredible impact they have on people’s lives,” she said. “The expansion of funding for hospices must mark the beginning of ongoing support, not the end.”
Ms Uppal also commended the dedication of hospice staff and volunteers, describing them as the “heart and soul” of these services. She said: “Their tireless efforts, combined with community support and government action, can ensure hospices not only survive but thrive.”
In January, Kirklees MPs will be having a joint meeting with the Chief Executives from The Kirkwood and Forget Me Not Hospice to discuss funding for the hospice sector.
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