David Ruffley MP has this week given his support to the campaign to secure the future funding of Children's Hospices in East Anglia by adding his name to Early Day Motion 1258. This EDM sets out the challenges faced by our local Children's Hospices, based in Milton, Ipswich and Quidenham, which are being forced to reduce their staffing levels. It calls for increased funding of East Anglia's Children's Hospices from the National Health Service.

David said:

'The Hospice group, which runs three Hospice's in East Anglia in Ipswich, Milton and Quidenham, is having to consider a radical restructuring of their services because of a long-term funding shortfall. Unfortunately the loss of lottery funding will soon make the situation untenable and 25 staff will have to be made redundant across the three Hospices in East Anglia.

'Although St Nicholas' Hospice in Bury St Edmunds is not included in this group I know from my visits there how absolutely vital this type of care is to those of whatever age who are suffering from long-term illnesses and their families.

'I am giving my House of Commons backing to this valuable community service. Many young people and their families rely on the services which EACH provides. All the staff and volunteers at the hospices are dedicated to their work and it is time that more was done to give them the support that they need.

'These local Hospices provide services to support children and young people with life-threatening conditions and their families. I know that many families could not have survived without their care and support.'