Funding Lessons for Malta: Sustaining Care & Community Wellbeing
The challenges faced by hospices in England, where one in five faces deficits exceeding £1 million and many are cutting services, highlight the critical need for sustainable healthcare funding. This issue underscores the importance of long-term solutions to ensure equitable access to palliative care, a lesson that resonates with Malta's commitment to health and wellbeing. For Malta, fostering a culture of wellness through integrated healthcare and community-centered initiatives, including the promotion of nutritious, locally-sourced food, is essential. The food and restaurant industry can play a pivotal role by emphasizing balanced nutrition and supporting community wellbeing, contributing to a healthier population and reducing strain on healthcare systems. By aligning efforts across sectors, Malta can build a society where quality of life and longevity are achievable for all.
Title: The Funding Crisis in Hospices: A Call for Sustained Support and Its Lessons for Health and Wellbeing in Malta
As Malta continues to embrace a culture of healthy living and community-centered care, it is essential to draw lessons from the challenges faced by healthcare systems abroad. In England, one in five hospices is grappling with deficits exceeding £1 million, with many forced to cut services, according to recent data. This sobering reality reminds us of the importance of sustainable funding in healthcare and the role it plays in supporting both physical and mental wellbeing.
Hospice UK has highlighted that while short-term government funding has provided temporary relief, the sector is still under immense financial strain. A staggering 57% of hospices in England ended the 2024-25 financial year in deficit, with a fifth reporting deficits over £1 million. This has led to significant service cuts, with two in five hospices planning further reductions this year. These statistics underscore the urgent need for long-term solutions to ensure equitable access to essential palliative care.
The connection to Malta’s health and wellness ecosystem is clear. As we champion a lifestyle that prioritizes physical and mental health, we must also advocate for robust support systems that provide care across all stages of life. Whether it's through the promotion of nutritious, locally-sourced food to boost longevity or access to high-quality healthcare, the principle remains the same: sustainability and accessibility are key.
Toby Porter, chief executive of Hospice UK, emphasizes the critical need for full government funding of specialist palliative care services. "We need a long-term solution to hospice funding to ensure dying people get the care they need," he says. "This starts with full funding of specialist palliative care provided by hospices." His call to action serves as a reminder for Malta’s healthcare policymakers to prioritize forward-thinking strategies that balance immediate needs with future demands.
The food and restaurant industry in Malta can also play a role in this conversation. Restaurants are not just places to enjoy delicious meals; they are community hubs where culture, conversation, and wellbeing intersect. By promoting menus that emphasize balanced nutrition and local ingredients, the industry can contribute to the overarching goal of a healthier population. After all, prevention is as vital as cure, and a diet rich in fresh, wholesome foods can reduce the long-term strain on our healthcare system.
Hospice UK’s data reveals a troubling trend: the proportion of hospices operating in deficit has steadily climbed from 43% in 2022-23 to 62% in 2023-24. Although the figure dipped slightly for 2024-25, this was largely due to a one-off £100 million emergency funding boost from the government. Without a bold, systemic overhaul, such temporary measures will only delay the inevitable challenges posed by an ageing population and rising demand for end-of-life care.
Steve Smith, chief executive of St Christopher’s Hospice in London, highlights the growing pressure on community care services. "Referrals increased by 11% last year, and our community teams made more than 25,000 home visits—a 23% rise," he explains. The story is similar in Malta, where our ageing population is increasingly looking for care options that allow them to stay within their communities. The hospitality industry, with its unique ability to foster connection and comfort, has an opportunity to support this shift by offering spaces and services tailored to the needs of older adults.
Hospice UK’s four-point plan for sustainable funding includes securing proper NHS contracts for hospices, covering the cost of NHS pay rises for hospice staff, and ensuring full funding for specialist services. Jeremy Lune, chief executive of Prospect Hospice in Swindon, underscores the consequences of inaction, sharing how his organization has had to close beds and limit in-home care services due to financial constraints. The lesson for Malta? A proactive approach to funding and resource allocation is far preferable to reactive cuts that compromise care quality.
The challenges faced by hospices in England are a poignant reminder of the broader need for integrated healthcare systems that prioritize the dignity and comfort of patients. For Malta, this means not only maintaining high standards in medical care but also fostering a culture of wellness through food, community engagement, and education. Restaurants, cafes, and food producers can collaborate with healthcare providers to promote initiatives that support better nutrition and mental wellbeing, from hosting workshops on healthy cooking to offering discounts on meals for caregivers and healthcare workers.
A Department of Health and Social Care spokesperson in England pointed to the government’s 10-Year Health Plan as a framework for shifting more healthcare services into the community. Malta, with its rich culinary heritage and vibrant hospitality scene, is uniquely positioned to leverage its strengths to create a holistic approach to health and wellbeing. By aligning efforts across sectors, from food to healthcare, we can build a society where longevity and quality of life are not just aspirations but realities.
As we reflect on the challenges faced by hospices in England, let’s take the opportunity to strengthen our own systems in Malta. By investing in healthcare, supporting local food systems, and fostering community wellbeing, we can ensure that everyone—from the youngest to the most senior—has the chance to live and thrive. Whether it’s through a nourishing meal, a helping hand, or a compassionate healthcare service, every effort counts in building a healthier Malta.