Campaign for increased end of life funding from local health budgets

Prior to COVID, Ashgate had been in protracted discussions with Derby and Derbyshire NHS CCG for increased end-of-life funding for many months. The hospice had a £2 million budget deficit that was no longer sustainable given the impact of COVID. If the hospice was to survive, the local health system needed to contribute to a larger proportion of care costs. Ashgate mobilised the support of its local community behind a public advocacy campaign, spearheaded through social media, to secure an increased funding settlement from the CCG and avoid compulsory redundancies. In November 2020, we were delighted to find out that we had secured the increased funding that was needed. Our campaign for increased end-of-life funding has shown just how influential social media presence can be in driving crucial support for a campaign. That’s why we believe we should be considered for Best Use of Social Media.