The latest Hospice UK analysis highlights a worrying reality for our sector, with hospices across England reporting a collective deficit of more than £70 million and many being forced to make difficult decisions about frontline services. Behind these statistics are patients and families who rely on specialist palliative and end of life care at some of the most challenging times in their lives.
We are saddened to see fellow hospices like Queenscourt Hospice in Southport, facing the heartbreaking reality of reducing services and making difficult decisions affecting patients, families and staff. Hospices provide vital care at the heart of their communities and no organisation should be placed in a position where financial pressures threaten the support they can offer to those who need it most.
Like many hospices, Weston Hospicecare is experiencing significant financial pressures. Rising costs, increasing demand for our services and funding that has not kept pace with the true cost of care continue to create substantial challenges. While the impact of these pressures on the care and support we provide to our community has been minimal thus far, the current funding model is not fit for purpose today, and is certainly not sustainable in the long term.
Hospices deliver essential healthcare services, helping people to live well for as long as possible and supporting families through some of life’s most difficult moments, while also reducing pressure on the NHS. Yet the majority of hospice funding still comes from donations, fundraising and charity shops.
We remain absolutely committed to being here for our community today and in the future. However, meaningful change is needed to ensure hospice care is properly funded and that everyone who needs specialist palliative care can access it, regardless of where they live.