Much-loved Derbyshire institution Ashgate Hospice have welcomed the intervention of Minister for Care Stephen Kinnock MP, following a meeting at Westminster on 4 February to discuss hospice care in North Derbyshire. 

The meeting brought together Ashgate Hospice Chief Executive Barbara-Anne Walker, senior representatives from Derby and Derbyshire Integrated Care Board (DDICB) and officials from the Department of Health and Social Care, and Derbyshire MPs. 

Toby Perkins MP secured the meeting following a Westminster debate on the ongoing challenges around funding and commissioning arrangements, and to support constructive discussions between Ashgate Hospice and DDICB. 

During the meeting, the Minister stressed that high quality palliative and end of life care is a priority for the Government. He made clear his expectation that DDICB and Ashgate must work in a collaborative and strategic way, and welcomed the mutual commitment to ensure Ashgate continued to provide outstanding care to the residents of North Derbyshire.  

He also insisted on regular progress updates over the coming weeks from the negotiations to the Department of Health and Social Care.  

Toby Perkins MP said: “We were pleased to be able to bring about this meeting, and we are delighted that it now looks like there is a sensible way forward. The Minister was clear on what he wanted to happen following the meeting – and myself and the other Derbyshire MPs will continue to work with DDICB and Ashgate Hospice to make sure that happens and to benefit end of life patients in Derbyshire.” 

Ashgate Hospice Chief Executive Barbara-Anne Walker said: “This was a hugely helpful and appreciated intervention by the Minister. I am confident that we now have a positive way forward for the benefit of patients in North Derbyshire and we look forward to welcoming DDICB to the hospice on Monday as the next step.” 

MPs attending the meeting included Toby Perkins MP, Natalie Fleet MP, Louise Sandher-Jones MP and John Whitby MP. Also joining the meeting were Sue Bottomley and Lee McGill from the Department of Health and Social Care, DDICB Chief Executive Amanda Sullivan and Executive Director of Outcomes Dave Briggs and DDICB Chief Finance Officer Bill Shields.