St Wilfrids Hospice Chichester has responded to the article published by the BBC
St Wilfrids Hospice Chichester has responded to the article published by the BBC on Hospitals warned end-of-life care crisis threatening treatment.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c0l93dpl6dyo
The hospice charity serves a community of over 200,000 people in West Sussex and Hampshire and has seen the pressures of rising demand and increasing costs.
Chief Executive, Lois Howell said, I was at the meeting where the palliative consultant made this presentation, and while it might be shocking for a member of the general public to hear, yes there is a crisis in healthcare for people who have terminal and life-limiting illnesses. The healthcare system is stretched, but by working together we can do the best for our patients.
Lois explains, Hospices are charities, but there isnt a sustainable funding formula for this important part of the healthcare sector. At St Wilfrids, our running costs are over £10.5 million, and we receive funding for 16% from central government sources, whereas an average hospice receives around 30%.
We make up the huge majority of funding through fundraising from our amazing community of supporters, donors and shoppers, but we still have a funding gap. This is where the crisis is, and why many of our neighbouring hospices are having to cut services and the staffing for bed availability.
Suzy OCallaghan, Clinical Director at St Wilfrids said, We have the expert skills that people facing palliative care and end-of-life need, and our specialist doctors, nurses and health professionals give that care to our patients, and their family and friends, whether that is at home in familiar surroundings or on the Inpatient Unit at the Hospice. Your care matters right to the end of your life, and our team specialise in giving that complex care.
St Wilfrids Hospice is here, every day of the year, providing crucial care to their local community. To make a donation this new year, please visit: https://stwh.co.uk/donate/
Notes:
Demand for hospice services is increasing. West Sussex is an ageing and growing population and St Wilfrids Hospice receives over 1000 referrals per year.
St Wilfrids has the skills the healthcare service needs. Specialist doctors, nurses and allied health professionals give the care people need, whether on the Hospice Ward or in their home, helping them avoid being admitted to hospital.
Costs are increasing. Their running costs this year are over £10.5 million. For example, the Employers National Insurance increase last year cost the charity an additional +£200,000 per year.
They need sustainable funding from government sources. St Wilfrids receive government funding for 16% of running costs, whereas an average hospice receives approximately 30%. The remainder of their funding has to be fundraised from the kind community of donors, shoppers and supporters.