St Raphael’s Hospice has launched a new appeal urging the local community it serves to help protect its vital work, as the UK faces a hospice funding crisis.
The Hospice is delivering an appeal letter to every household within its catchment area of Merton and Sutton, to raise awareness of the stark funding challenge it is currently facing. Rising costs means the Hospice is now spending over £6.5 million every year to run its end of life and palliative care services, yet only 25% of its funding comes from the NHS.
Clinical Director and Joint CEO Becca Trower says:
“Our appeal is an urgent plea to our community to help us protect St Raphael’s for the future. Everyone deserves comfort and dignity at the end of their lives, but we have seen our running costs increase significantly and our NHS funding just hasn’t kept up.
“Earlier this year we had to make cuts to our services, including to our expert nursing staff.
Our team at the Hospice are really feeling the pressure in these uncertain times. Our appeal is reaching out to members of our community who might not be aware of the crucial work we carry out on their doorstep.
Our existing supporters are incredibly loyal and we rely on them for their unwavering dedication but without additional support, the care we provide to our community is at risk.
“Every single donation we receive will help ensure we can continue to surround patients with love and care during their final moments.”
The Hospice appeal is asking the residents of Merton and Sutton to give whatever they can or, if unable to donate, to allow the Hospice to stay in touch with them about other ways they can get involved and support the Hospice, such as volunteering, fundraising or playing its lottery.
To find out more or to support St Raphael’s Funding Crisis Appeal visit straphaels.org.uk/fundingcrisis24.
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About St Raphael’s Hospice
St Raphael’s Hospice is an independent charity providing free end of life care and support for adults living in Merton and Sutton, and their families, friends and carers.
The Hospice cares for around 1,000 patients every year on its ward and out in the community in patients’ homes.
The majority of St Raphael’s patients are cared for at home where Hospice staff work alongside community healthcare professionals offering specialist support and advice.
St Raphael’s expert team is made up of doctors, nurses, and their associates, counsellors, therapists and a social worker.
The Hospice also provides counselling and bereavement services and its Wellbeing Centre is open to everyone living in Merton and Sutton who is over 18 and closely affected by a progressive life-limiting illness.
The Hospice also has over 500 dedicated volunteers who donate their time in a wide range of roles, including on the ward, with the fundraising team or in one of St Raphael’s shops.
It costs over £6.5 million each year to run its services and only 25% of its funding comes from the NHS. The charity relies on the generous support of the community to provide its vital services free of charge.
Please visit www.straphaels.org.uk
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