Ayrshire Hospice’s chief executive has warned Scotland’s palliative care “is very much at a crossroads” as she demanded better funding from the Scottish Government.

Tracy Flynn is joining other hospice leaders throughout Scotland in voicing their concerns that wage bills could increase by around £12 million if they continue to compete with NHS and care service workers’ salaries.

Meeting at a round table discussion with MSPs in the Scottish Parliament on March 2, the Scottish Hospice Leadership Group will discuss concerns surrounding rising bills and increasing demands.

Tracy said: “The future of palliative care across Scotland is very much at a crossroads.

“The external demands of increased running costs, remaining competitive with NHS Scotland payscales are having a serious impact on hospices to ensure they can still deliver the outstanding level of quality and care to patients and their families.

“Along with colleagues from across Scotland, we are coming together to ask the Scottish Government for further support to help tackle the challenges we currently face.”

There are also concerns that without more financial support, the strains hospices face will have a knock-on effect on other areas in the NHS, as patients who would normally be cared for in hospices may have to turn to general hospitals.

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