Facts and Figures

Every day, hospices across Northern Ireland provide expert care and support to people living with life-limiting illnesses and their families.

Together, Alliance members care for over 13,000 patients, carers and loved ones* each year, delivering care in homes, hospices and communities across Northern Ireland. They provide specialist palliative care, bereavement support and family support services while helping relieve pressure on the wider health and social care system. 

The Hospice Alliance Northern Ireland was established to ensure that the collective voice of the hospice sector is heard by decision-makers with the main objective to work together to secure a sustainable future for hospice care. The Alliance works collaboratively to develop shared evidence, advocate for fair funding and improve outcomes for patients and families.

*13,000 of which over 11,500 are patients, and 2,500 approx are  carers and loved ones who received direct support including bereavement services.

Almost 80,000 visits to patients at home

Over 19,000 days and nights of inpatient care

72% of hospice care delivered in people’s homes

Around 10,000 outpatient appointments for physiotherapy, counselling and other support services

The four hospices receive on average 42% government funding, with the rest (58%) having to come from charity/donations**

Nearly 10,000 
appointments provided to patients’ families, friends and carers, including counselling and bereavement support

Over 13,000 patients cared for each year across NI’s hospices

**Excluding Childrens Hospice – 38% funded by Government

ALL figures from 25 / 26 Source : Hospice UK.

The need for a strategy

Demand for palliative and end-of-life care is expected to grow 45.9% by 2040.

An ageing population, rising numbers of people living with multiple long-term conditions and increasing clinical complexity are creating additional pressures across health and social care services.

As need continues to increase, specialist hospice services will play an increasingly important role in supporting patients and families. Planning for the future requires sustainable investment, workforce development and long-term partnership between government, health services and the voluntary sector.

Without action, more people may struggle to access the specialist support they need at the time they need it most.

  • Everyone should have access to high-quality palliative care, regardless of where they live, their diagnosis, age, background or circumstances.

    However, evidence across many healthcare systems shows that access to palliative care can vary. Some groups may face barriers in accessing support, including people living in rural areas, those with non-cancer diagnoses, minority communities and people experiencing social disadvantage.

    The Hospice Alliance is committed to promoting fair and equitable access to hospice and palliative care across Northern Ireland. This means working to understand unmet need, addressing inequalities and advocating for services that reach those who need them most.

    Quality palliative care should not depend on postcode, diagnosis or circumstance.

In September 26 we will launch a major independently produced report

‘A shared vision for Hospice Care in Northern Ireland’