Palliative care funding review must involve social care
By Janaki Mahadevan Wednesday, 04 May 2011, Children and Young People Now
Charities urge health and education departments to work together to provide adequate funding for sick young people.
The government is being urged to put social care at the heart of its review of funding for palliative care.
As part of the Department of Health-led review of services for adults and children, charities Children's Hospices UK and Act want the Department for Education to be closely involved to ensure the social care needs of children and families are met.
According to the groups, 23,500 children and young people in the UK will die before they reach adulthood and will therefore require palliative care.
Lizzie Chambers, chief executive of Act, said: "As good children's palliative care depends on joined-up health and social care, it is essential that the review encompasses social care funding. Act and Children's Hospices UK have urged the Department for Education to engage actively with the review."
Research is currently being undertaken by Children's Hospices UK to ascertain where children's hospices get their funding, looking at both local authority and health sources.
An association spokesman said: "Social care is a fundamental part of the work of children's hospices. From short break and respite care, psychological support for the child and family through to bereavement support and counselling, it provides practical help and supports families to stay together in very challenging circumstances.
"It is vital the recommendations address health and social care funding together to ensure that life-limited children, young people and their families receive the support they so badly need."
