St Christopher’s responds to government’s budget announcement

26/11/2026 – Response to Government’s budget announcement from CEO Steve Smith (PDF)

Steve Smith, Chief Executive of St Christopher’s, the home of the modern hospice movement, says:
“We’re disappointed the hospice funding crisis wasn’t addressed in today’s Budget. This was a golden opportunity to stem the crisis which has nearly two thirds of hospices in deficit.

“At St Christopher’s, just 34% of our funding comes from the NHS, with the rest generated through public fundraising. Although we’re fortunate to have maintained our services despite this funding crisis, far too many of our fellow hospices are struggling and have had to cut services, take beds out of use and let high-quality, dedicated staff go.

“We heard from the Government this week that a long-term plan for palliative care is expected next year.

Until that is delivered, hospices need short-term funding support now to protect services, prevent further cuts and ensure that people and families receive the care they deserve at the end of life.”

Seven years ago, Constance Bartholomew was diagnosed with Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP) a rare neurological condition that can cause problems with balance, movement, vision, speech and swallowing. She was referred to St Christopher’s where she was supported by a number of teams and services before she died in February 2025 aged 71.

Husband Dennis, 69, says: “St Christopher’s were such a support to Constance, our children and I. I don’t think once the discussion was focused on just delivering end of life care, but the guiding philosophy about what we can achieve still. The care was compassionate and expert and those specialist services should be fully-funded. We received regular phone calls and visits as well as rehab appointments and other therapies. We knew that whenever we needed something, we could contact the hospice team. It doesn’t seem right that hospices have to rely so heavily on donations to deliver first class end of life care.”