Peace Hospice Care has been left in shock following the announcement that its NHS funding is being cut.
Herts Valleys Clinical Commissioning Group confirmed it is cutting the Hertfordshire hospice’s funding by £163,860 a year. The charity received a double blow with the news that the cut is being backdated to the start of the financial year.
The cuts mean that for every £1 of income the charity receives, less than 20p now comes from the NHS. Peace Hospice Care is currently reviewing how it can meet the financial shortfall through both reducing costs and income generation.
Chief executive Declan Carroll, has expressed his shock and disappointment, saying:
“This is a devastating blow not just in terms of finances but for anyone facing life-limiting illness, as well as their families and carers. We want to be doing more to help these people at such a difficult and emotional time, not thinking about doing less. We have always received tremendous support from the local community and I hope that will continue as we face the challenge that these financial pressures present.”
Commenting on the news, Jonathan Ellis, Director of Change and Advocacy at Hospice UK, said:
“Many hospices are struggling financially at present for a variety of reasons. Like many other charities, they are operating in a challenging economic environment.
“While hospices are by no means totally reliant on NHS funding- as they raise the bulk of their funding through support from their local communities – statutory income does form a significant chunk of their income. In recent years NHS funding has been under pressure in some local areas, either due to freezes or cuts.
“During these challenging times, it is vital the public keeps on supporting hospices, so that people with terminal and life-limiting conditions can continue to get the vital care they need.”
For more information visit Peace Hospice Care
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