A debate on Support for Hospice Services was a welcome chance for local MP Kevin Foster to speak about the support Hospices provide for families, and the plans Rowcroft Hospice has to expand its services.
The hospice sector supports more than 200,000 people with life-limiting conditions in the UK each year, as well as tens of thousands of family members with bereavement support. Yet, like other sectors, it is facing challenges from increased food and energy costs, plus the need to increase staff wages in line with other healthcare employers.
Locally, Rowcroft Hospice in Torquay, which marked its 40th anniversary last year, now cares for more than 2000 people with life-limiting illnesses across South Devon each year. It has also announced major development plans which include creating a brand new state-of-the-art specialist nursing home for people with dementia and complex needs, as well as a revamped in-patient unit with an increased number of beds.
Like many in our bay Kevin has experienced first-hand what it means for a patient and their family to be supported by a Hospice Service. He was therefore pleased to attend and speak up for them, querying what support will be provided for not only their existing services, but the future as well. Due to the large number of MPs wanting to speak in the debate Kevin had to be brief, he was only allocated 2 minutes for his contribution.
