Sir John recently visited Farleigh Hospice to meet staff, volunteers and families supported by its services, highlighting the vital role hospice care plays across the Essex community. During the visit, Sir John praised the compassion and dedication shown by those working and volunteering at the hospice while expressing concern about ongoing funding pressures affecting services. He also stressed the importance of securing greater Government support for hospices providing end-of-life care both in specialist facilities and in patients’ homes.
In visiting Farleigh Hospice, he was able to learn more about the care and support provided to individuals and families across the local community during the final stages of a loved one’s life. During the visit, he met members of staff, volunteers and relatives of patients who had received care either within the hospice or through Farleigh’s community and home-based services.
Speaking after the visit, Sir John praised the hospice: “I was hugely impressed by the dedication and compassion of all the staff and volunteers that I met. I was also very moved to hear from relatives of those who had received care from Farleigh either at the Hospice or at home.”
Sir John also expressed his concerns about the financial pressures currently facing hospices and the impact funding challenges could have on services. He noted that Farleigh Hospice is now having to make cuts due to increasing pressure on resources and stressed the importance of providing greater support for organisations delivering end-of-life care across Essex and the wider UK.
The visit highlighted the important role played by staff, volunteers and local fundraisers in supporting hospice care within the community. Sir John thanked everyone who gives their time to volunteer or raise money for the hospice and he will continue pressing the Government to provide additional support for the sector and ensure hospices can continue delivering vital care to patients and families.
