When I visited Acorns Children’s Hospice in Walsall I was determined to do all I can to help keep it open. Working with other Black Country MPs, I met with Health Secretary, Matt Hancock, in Parliament to discuss the potential closure.
He agreed to the raise the need for longer-term certainty over the Children's Hospices Grant with the head of NHS England. Today, NHS England have announced a guaranteed increase in central NHS funding for children’s hospices over the next five years. A total of £25 million.
It is not yet clear how much extra funding Acorns will receive as a result of this. But it allows the hospice to actively explore further fundraising opportunities to see if the additional needed income can be raised.
Nothing is more important than the children and families who need the care provided by Acorns, and of course the dedicated staff. I’ll continue to do what I can to help and will keep you informed.