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Palliative Care: North Derbyshire
17 December 2025
Lead MP
Toby Perkins
Chesterfield
Lab
Responding Minister
Stephen Kinnock
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Word Count: 4604
Other Contributors: 4
At a Glance
Toby Perkins raised concerns about palliative care: north derbyshire in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.
Key Requests to Government:
The Government needs to provide greater clarity on funding levels for hospices and ensure that services like those provided by Ashgate continue uninterrupted.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Lead Contributor
In late June, a fundraiser for Ashgate hospice raised over £385,000. In October, the announcement was made that Ashgate would be making as many as 52 posts redundant and closing 60% of its in-patient beds. The community has expressed deep concern about these changes.
John Whitby
Lab
Derbyshire Dales
An example was given where Paula Reeve expressed gratitude for the care provided to her mother by Ashgate hospice, stressing the need for continued funding support.
Perkins
Lab
Chesterfield
Welcomed the 55% increase in funding since 2022 and clarified that there have been no cuts despite Ashgate hospice's £250,000 monthly shortfall.
Natalie Fleet
Lab
Bolsover
A constituent’s email highlighted the importance of high-quality care from Ashgate during her mother's final days, emphasizing that everyone should be concerned about the reduction in beds and job losses.
Discussed the financial challenges faced by hospices, acknowledged the importance of Ashgate Hospice in Chesterfield and announced a £100 million capital funding boost for adult and children’s hospices. Mentioned specific funding allocations to various hospices including Ashgate and Blythe House in north Derbyshire.
Government Response
Stephen Kinnock
The Minister for Care
Government Response
I thank my hon. Friend the Member for Chesterfield for raising this important issue. This year, I have seen at first hand—the vital role that hospices play in our communities, so I completely understand why my hon. Friend speaks so passionately about Ashgate hospice. Emphasised the importance of strategic commissioning frameworks to improve palliative and end-of-life care services, acknowledged the need for local support and promised to broker discussions with stakeholders to address specific issues concerning Ashgate hospice.
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About Westminster Hall Debates
Westminster Hall debates are a chance for MPs to raise important issues affecting their constituents and get a response from a government minister. Unlike Prime Minister's Questions, these debates are more in-depth and collaborative. The MP who secured the debate speaks first, other MPs can contribute, and a minister responds with the government's position.