Extra funding for hospices and cancer drugs

A boost in Government funding should help hospices.

Health Minister Annette King has pledged $5.9 million to fully fund the essential services of palliative caregivers.

Hospice New Zealand President Dalton Kelly says hospices began as voluntary organisations and the basic foundation of the sector will not change, as a fundamental part of hospice activity is about involving the community.

But Mr Kelly says the extra money means hospices will not have to struggle to fund services or rely so heavily on fundraising.

- NEWSTALK ZB