A WREXHAM hospice has received Welsh Government funding of £363,710 to help continue its vital work.

Nightingale House Hospice was one of 12 commissioned hospices across Wales to receive a share of a £4m fund announced in April by Health Secretary Eluned Morgan.

Nightingale House chief executive Lauren Emberton expressed her delight at the funding but called for a "more sustainable funding model" from the Welsh Government.

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Lauren said: "We are delighted to have received this funding. We appreciate the Welsh Government has recognised the challenges we have faced over the past 12 months, and we look forward to continued discussions to ensure further support to meet our costs in the future.

"We need a more sustainable funding model moving forward to help keep us on an even keel. We appreciate the funding received but it just doesn't come close to meeting our increased costs, unfortunately.

"Our gas and electricity bill increased by £56,000 in 2023/24 alone to keep Nightingale House running 24 hours per day, seven days per week, so that shows the increased pressure we are under to keep funding coming in.

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"Our community and supporters provide 80 per cent of the £4.9m it costs to run the hospice each year. They are fantastic and have continued to be so throughout the cost-of-living crisis but we need more support from the Government to ensure that we can not only continue to deliver care but to be able to progress and evolve with new services out in the community.

"The hospice sector as a whole is really struggling with the current model as costs continue to soar, and we have been involved in regular lobbying with Hospices Cymru over the past 12-18 months to call on the Welsh Government for increased financial support.

"It has been a very difficult time, and the challenges continue. I would like to take this opportunity to thank our fantastic staff, volunteers, and supporters. Their care, time, devotion, and support make the world of difference to our patients and their families at the most difficult time of their lives."

• For more information, contact rachelle.mclachlan@nightingalehouse.co.uk