The move, which benefits St John's Hospice, St Luke's Hospice (Harrow & Brent), Harlington Hospice and Royal Trinity Hospice, raises the ICB's funding commitment to from 33% to 50%.

Rob Hurd, chief executive of NHS North West London, said: ‘Charitable hospices play a vital role in delivering compassionate, high-quality care for people at the end of their lives. At a time of increasing financial pressure across the health and care system, we are increasing funding to both NHS and charitable services in north west London to help protect and strengthen the care our communities rely on. This additional investment reflects our deep appreciation for the work of our hospice partners and our commitment to ensuring everyone can access the support they need, with dignity, when and where they need it most.'

‘Fantastic news'

Simon James, chief executive at St John's Hospice, welcomed the move as a ‘hugely positive step forward'.

James said the move meant St John's can extend its Hospice@Home service as well as enhance all other services.

Lindsey Bennister, chief executive at St Luke's Hospice (Harrow & Brent) said the ‘fantastic news' was ‘game changing'.

Bennister said the funding was ‘a great example of collaborative working between hospice partners and the ICB' and would have ‘a profound impact on the support and care available for people with life-limiting illnesses'.

Jane Wheeler, chief executive at Harlington Hospice said:‍ ‘The news of NHS North West London's additional funding shows that they recognise and are committed to ensuring their entire population can access this.'

Emily Carter, chief executive at Royal Trinity Hospice, said the news was ‘incredible', adding: ‘NHS North West London is showing the rest of the country what is possible, and I hope other NHS commissioners follow their example to prevent further service cuts to hospice care elsewhere.'