People’s access to vital end-of-life care should not depend on where they live, says Rowcroft Hospice, as it highlights the postcode lottery affecting hospice care in England.
According to Hospice UK, the national charity representing more than 200 member hospices, almost one in three people are not receiving the end-of-life care they need. One of the factors contributing to this is the significant variation in NHS funding received by hospices across the country.
Mark Hawkins, Chief Executive of Rowcroft Hospice, said: “Hospice care should be available to everyone who needs it, regardless of their postcode. Yet the level of NHS funding hospices receive varies hugely across the nation, meaning access to vital end-of-life care can depend on where someone lives.
“Here in South Devon, we’re incredibly fortunate to have an exceptionally generous community that supports its local hospice in extraordinary ways. But access to hospice care should never depend on a postcode or on a community’s fundraising capacity. Fairer funding would help ensure people have access to high-quality hospice care, wherever they live.”
The funding disparity is particularly stark in the South West. While hospices across England receive, on average, around 40% of their funding from the NHS, just 24% of Rowcroft’s annual income comes from NHS funding.
At the same time, the cost of providing specialist hospice care continues to rise. Since 2004, Rowcroft’s charitable expenditure has more than doubled. Over the same period, general prices have increased by 99%, staff nurse wages by 77%, and the daily cost of employing a staff nurse has risen from £84 to £159.
“Like many hospices, Rowcroft is facing the growing cost of providing specialist care at a time when demand is increasing,” said Mr Hawkins. “Our community continues to rally behind us, and that support is absolutely essential to keeping our services available to the people who need them.
“One way people can help is through our Sponsor a Nurse initiative. A regular gift provides valuable, reliable income that helps fund the nurses and clinical teams caring for people at the end of life, both at the hospice and in their own homes. It’s a simple way to make a lasting difference to the care available in South Devon, today and in the future.”
Rowcroft is backing Hospice UK’s campaign for fairer funding and calling on the government to ensure funding arrangements reflect both the growing need for hospice care and the true cost of delivering it. This would help recognise the crucial role hospices play in supporting patients and families, while also relieving pressure on the wider healthcare system.
The charity is highlighting the issue as part of Hospice Care Week (5 to 11 October 2026).
Find out more about Sponsor a Nurse and support Rowcroft at: www.rowcrofthospice.org.uk.
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