DEPUTY Leader of the Welsh Conservatives Paul Davies MS brought examples from his own Pembrokeshire constituency as he led a debate on the importance of Wales' hospice and palliative care sector which called for a sustainable funding model.

The Preseli Pembrokeshire Senedd Member highlighted the case of Shalom House, a hospice that was based in St David’s, before it closed its doors in October because of financial pressures. Mr Davies argued that a sustainable funding model would provide stability to a sector in crisis and urged the Welsh Government to prioritise the sector before more hospices are forced to consider reducing their services or close their doors entirely.

He also took the opportunity to highlight the outstanding care delivered by the Paul Sartori Foundation, based in Haverfordwest. The Paul Sartori Foundation offer a range of services and therapies, including a Hospice at Home Service all year round, with a 24-7 on-call service.

The debate took place before the Senedd votes on the Legislative Consent Motion on The Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill in February.

Welcoming the debate, Marie Curie Cymru Policy and Public Affairs Manager Dr Tomos Evans, said: “Too many people are spending their final days isolated, in pain and struggling to make ends meet.

“In Wales, almost a fifth of hospital beds are occupied by people in their last 12 months of life, and one in 14 emergency department attendances relates to someone at end of life. This tells us the system is struggling to support dying people and those close to them.

“More people need to get the right care, in the right place – and we need to reduce avoidable trips to A&E. As the UK’s leading end of life charity, we know hospices and hospice care services in the community are key to providing care and support to people at end of life and those close to them.

“Placing hospices on a sustainable financial footing must be part of the solution, alongside clear leadership and action to fully integrate palliative and end of life care across health and social care.”

Commenting after speaking in the debate, Mr Davies said: “I am disappointed that Labour did not support our much-needed support package for the hospice and palliative care sector. Substantial tax rises have forced the sector to make difficult decisions. They are in need of certainty and a new, sustainable funding model.

Mr Davies later added: “I’m committed to doing what I can to ensure that there is far greater parity between the services delivered by hospices and the NHS, and a clearer recognition of the vital role they play within the wider health and social care system.”

“I believe the best way to safeguard the services that are being delivered in the community, is by developing a permanent, sustainable funding model for the sector.”

“Hospices are providers of expert palliative care, and the Welsh Government must do more to protect these essential services. Patients with terminal illnesses deserve better and so do providers.”