The SNP Government must ensure that Scottish hospices are given enough cash to address the financial crisis facing the sector, Scottish Labour has said.
Hospices in Scotland play a crucial role in our healthcare system and support families through some of the most difficult times of their lives – however, the sector is under significant financial pressure due to underfunding by the SNP.
This funding shortfall has made it difficult for hospices to match NHS pay for its doctors, nurses and hospice team without cutting services. This has also caused retention and recruitment difficulties for staff.
Sector bosses in Scotland have warned that at least £8.6 million is needed to keep pace with NHS pay awards.
It comes after the UK Government announced that the remaining £75 million from the £100 million additional funding for hospices in England will begin making its way to hospices.
Scottish Labour Health Spokesperson Jackie Baillie MSP said: “While the UK Labour government is investing in hospices, the SNP is sitting on cash rather than giving this vital part of our health system the resources it needs.
“The SNP committed to £5million in this year’s budget to cover salary rises for last year, yet so far this has not been delivered.
“Last week, Scottish Labour announced we would support this important sector by funding pay for hospice teams in line with NHS staff with an extra £3.6million this year and £3.3million next year.
“The SNP must give hospices the money they are owed and match Scottish Labour’s pledge on pay so that staff are treated fairly and patients get the specialist support they deserve.”
At the budget approved in February 2025, the Scottish Government committed £5m for hospices, and alignment of pay uplifts to NHS pay awards – which is estimated to cost a further £3.6m this year.
In June 2025, the Scottish Government made an NHS pay award of 4.25% for most staff. Hospices face increased pressures if they are to extend this pay award to their doctors, nurses and specialist support staff.