St Cuthbert’s Hospice has announced the devastating news it may be forced to make staffing reductions and reduce some vital services in a bid to manage an increasing gap in finances.
The hospice sector nationally is facing the most challenging time in its history with all hospices reporting soaring pressures due to central government funding not growing in line with inflation, the cost of living crisis and reliance on donations. It has been widely reported that the increase in National Insurance has been a significant blow to a sector already struggling.
A steering group including NHS commissioners and other partner organisations have been in urgent talks to find a sustainable funding model for St Cuthbert’s Hospice. Whilst the outcome of these ongoing negotiations means the Hospice can continue to provide its In-Patient services, a range of further vital services may need to be reduced to safeguard the future of our care and ensure the long-term survival of St Cuthbert’s.
Paul Marriott, CEO of St Cuthbert’s Hospice, said “St Cuthbert’s Hospice offers a safety net of care to people living with life-limiting illnesses. To people living with cancer, motor-neurone disease, dementia and chronic heart failure. I am so sad to think that this safety net may have to be pulled from them.”
“In the recent debate on Assisted Dying, there was a huge focus by nearly everyone who spoke on both sides of the debate on the importance of good palliative and end of life care. It is a speciality that is so valued by those who need and use it, and yet it still relies on charitable funding for its delivery. What we offer is not just nice to have. It is something that should be accessible to all. We each matter to the end our days.”
St Cuthbert’s Hospice remains fully committed to providing compassionate end-of-life care to local people, and their families, where and when they need it.
St Cuthbert’s Hospice must raise £3.8m every year with around 42% of that income coming from commissioning. The charity employs 124 staff, around half of which work in clinical, front-line care or bereavement services.
Paul added: “If these services are forced to close, around 250 less people will receive a service from us next year. We know the need for our services is increasing and so it is particularly distressing to think we might have to reduce these in-demand services still further”.
We are pleased that the Integrated Care Board (ICB) and our partners at the County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust have stepped in to help us to at least keep our In-Patient beds open. We now need people to go the extra mile and help us keep our other services running.”
Around 28 staff from across the organisation face redundancy as the charity struggles to cope with growing financial pressures. Understandably, this is a extremely unsettling prospect for our staff, volunteers and most importantly the countless patients and families who rely on our services. At present all of our services continue to operate as usual.
Angela Lamb, Chairman of St Cuthbert’s Hospice said, “For 36 years we have been caring for those who need us. It is heart-breaking that there is a real risk that we might have to close much-needed services. We know how unsettling this will be for people in our community who are currently facing a terminal illness and don’t know where to turn. We recognise that this period of uncertainty for our workforce will also affect the wellbeing of our staff and we’re doing all we can to support them at this time. Whilst this decision has been very difficult to make, the long-term future of St Cuthbert’s Hospice is at its heart.”
As the Hospice faces the challenging decision to reduce services, it is urging anyone who can support the Hospice to consider making a contribution.
Laura Barker, Head of Income Generation, stated:
“Our Hospice was built on the kindness of our community, and it is thanks to this continued support that we have been able to serve so many families. Now, more than ever, we ask our community to help us sustain this vital service for generations to come. Whether through a one-off donation, joining our lottery, becoming a regular donor, or leaving a gift in your Will, every act of generosity will help to secure the future of St Cuthbert’s Hospice and make sure we can continue to provide care to those who need us.”
We are incredibly grateful to everyone who helps to fund the care delivered by St Cuthbert’s Hospice – charitable donations from our community, sponsorship from local businesses, lottery players or our loyal charity shoppers – your continued support remains vital for our future.
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