This week I met with Minister Whately in Parliament to discuss the shortfall in commissioning for palliative care, the funding challenges for our Hospices and the opportunity to greater utilise these services.
MPs from all parties are collectively concerned that attempts by the Hospice sector in our region to secure specific commissioning from the ICB have failed to materialise, missing opportunities to prioritise the service to our communities as required under the Health & Social Care Act.
At a time of immense pressure on our NHS system it appears that the lack of commissioning in this area is a wasted opportunity to alleviate pressure, which if properly commissioned would save money, resources and provide better services to our communities.
I am pleased the Minister took my concerns seriously and I look forward to receiving an update from her department in due course.
