Hospice Isle of Man will receive a £600,000 grant for the next five years, following the signing of a new service level agreement with the Department of Health.
The department will also give another £100,000 support through help with drugs, dressings, oxygen and superannuation costs.
Under the agreement, Hospice agrees to continue to provide a comprehensive palliative care service, maintaining the excellent standard of patient care, showing full consideration of partners’, family and friends’ wellbeing and emotional support needs, as well as those of the patient.
The DoH will continue to supply facilities and support including professional education, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, radiology, pathology and ambulance services.
Hospice Isle of Man chairman Sir Miles Walker said: ‘As a charity we are particularly pleased to have reached an agreement as we are aware that this grant is given in what is recognisably a cautious financial climate on the Isle of Man.’
Health Minister David Anderson MHK said: ‘In signing this agreement, we record that the department recognises the significant contribution Hospice Isle of Man makes to the island’s health service.
‘The department is fully aware of the challenges facing Hospice Isle of Man to raise the £3.5m each year that is needed to continue to deliver vital patient care.
‘That is why their outstanding effort is supported by the department. It is hoped to be able to offer continuous assistance not just now but in the future.’
The grant helps towards Hospice’s £3.5m fundraising target. It was the third service level agreement between Hospice and the DoH since 2001.
