Uncertainty over funding for Basildon's St Luke's Hospice has prompted a cross-party plea to Health Secretary Alan Milburn.

Billericay MP John Baron (Con) learned about the problem when he visited the hospice in Nethermayne. He said: "It is a tragedy St Luke's appears to be having difficulties with funding it receives from the Government."

The hospice does not know how much it can expect for the next financial year -- but over recent years has seen its funding from the government drop. That leaves just one way to make up the shortfall -- appealing to the public.

Mr Baron has joined forces with Labour colleague Basildon and East Thurrock MP Angela Smith to urge Mr Milburn to resolve the problem.

Marilyn Munt, head of revenue services for the hospice, said: "I am delighted both parties have recognised the valuable work we do in the community.

"Private employers like hospices do not get extra funding when doctors' and nurses' salaries go up. We either have to meet the rise to keep staff or risk losing them."

Mrs Munt said the problem was not exclusive to St Luke's.

Published Wednesday, February 20, 2002