WIREDGOV

The details of how to apply for funding from the Capital Grant scheme for hospices are now available. The scheme was announced by Paul Burstow, Minister for Care Services in May.

Up to £60m is available as part of the scheme, open to all adults’ and children’s hospices in England, to improve the physical environment in which they provide care.

The funding will improve care for patients and families by enhancing care facilities and improving the patient experience in the hospice environment, as well as supporting the care that hospices provide to people in their own homes.

Hospices will be able to apply for funding for a range of projects, including:

• improvements to day therapy facilities, including providing transport services
• developing or improving outreach services to support people in their own homes
• refurbishment of inpatient and visitor areas, including improvements to bedrooms and bathrooms and providing overnight facilities for families
• improvements to mortuary and bereavement facilities
• improvements to gardens and outside spaces so patients can spend time outdoors

The principal requirements are that projects deliver improvements that directly benefit patients, have a tangible impact on the physical environment and provide value for money.

The deadline for applications is 5pm on 5 November 2012.

Find details about eligibility, application form, timelines and further information on the Help the Hospices website.