A CAMPAIGN calling for increased funding for Scotland's highest rated hospice could be nearing a resolution.

After 17 attempts the convener of the public petitions committee said he hoped the funding of St Margaret of Scotland Hospice would be sorted out at the next meeting.

Campaigners claim the hospice receives around 40% of the funding per bed which other hospices receive within the health board area.

They travelled to the Scottish Parliament this week as the petition was discussed by MSPs for the 17th time.

Gil Paterson, SNP MSP for Clydebank and Milngavie, said St Margaret's was struggling to make up the shortfall of funding.

It costs around £4million per year to run the hospice, of which approximately £30,000 per week must be raised by the facility.

NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde maintains that St Margaret's receives "equitable" funding for core costs and that aid is not calculated on an inpatient basis.

St Margaret's has a total of 60 beds – 30 for frail adults with complex needs and 30 palliative care beds.

The hospice faced closure after NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde considered withdrawing £1.2m from its budget – a proposal that was withdrawn in 2009.

St Margaret's was given the highest rating possible by inspectors in January.

Mr Paterson said: "I have fears about the amount of responsibility that has been placed on the shoulders of the hospice to fund the shortfall.

"I know they are very innovative but I worry that St Margaret's will not be able to continue.

"When you consider that it receives the lowest amount of funding from the health board. It doesn't get the average, it gets the lowest.

"I don't think that measures against the services the hospice provides.

"I know there are discussions in place and I think with good will and perseverance we can come to an amicable solution."

David Stewart MSP, convener of the public petitions committee, said: "Let's hope at the next meeting we will get this resolved."

caroline.wilson@ eveningtimes.co.uk