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The government yesterday announced £50 million of funding for hospices caring for older people nearing the end of their lives.

The money will be spread over the next two years and will enable hospices to make physical improvements to their buildings, such as refurbishing day rooms and bedrooms, and improving hospice grounds.

The government is making £40 million of the funding available to all hospice organisations in England and £10 million will go directly to Marie Curie Cancer Care to support its programme to modernise facilities.

Jonathan Ellis, senior policy manager at Help the Aged, said: “Good quality end-of-life care must be available to all who need it, regardless of their age or medical status.

“End-of-life care services are in dire need of improvement and this money will go some way to provide better care for those who spend their final days in a hospice.”