St Raphael’s Hospice in Cheam, has announced this week it has been forced to make substantial cost savings and is proposing £1M of reductions across the charity, including staff redundancies.
St Raphael’s announced the proposed changes to staff on Tuesday 2 July and has entered into a period of consultation. Amongst other cost savings it is proposing to reduce its Community Clinical Services by 33% as well as making cuts to Medical and Psychological Support Teams.
The Hospice, which provides specialist end of life and palliative care and support for adults living in Merton and Sutton, has seen its costs rise by £1.1M over the last few years, as a result of inflation. During that time St Raphael’s has only received a £140k increase to its NHS funding.
St Raphael’s receives funding for just 25% of its operating costs from the NHS, the lowest percentage received of all nine adult hospices in London, according to Hospice UK, the sector’s umbrella body.
Nick Stevens, St Raphael’s CEO says,
“Inflation rises have hit us, and the entire hospice sector, hard. The gap between our operating costs and our NHS funding is no longer sustainable.
The NHS is starved of funds but without more Government support, we simply have no option but to make these devastating cuts that will impact some of the most vulnerable people in our community facing the end of their lives.
“The prospect of having to make highly skilled, specialist palliative care clinicians and support staff redundant is totally unpalatable. Regretfully, these cuts will, without doubt, put additional pressure on the already stretched healthcare services in Merton and Sutton. This matter urgently needs to get the attention of our new Labour Government.
The dying cannot be put on a waiting list.”
Toby Porter, CEO of Hospice UK says:
“It is incredibly sad to hear that St Raphael’s Hospice is forced to make these cuts due to immense financial pressures.
“A recent Hospice UK survey found that the financial stability of hospices across the UK has reached a critical point, with at least a fifth having already cut services or planning to do so. Despite community support, state funding has not kept pace with rising costs.
“This situation cannot continue. More and more hospices are cutting vital services and staff, which increases pressure on the NHS and costs taxpayers more. The new government must recognise the scale of this crisis and ensure proper funding for hospices to continue their vital work.”
Kate Billingham Wilson, Director of Fundraising and Communications at St Raphael’s Hospice, says:
“Our current financial situation is no reflection on our incredible donors and we are so grateful for the continued dedication of the individuals, companies and communities who have supported us over many years. We need your donations now more than ever.
“For anyone wanting to donate, please consider signing up to our Sponsor a Nurse campaign for a regular monthly donation to help our nurses reach more than 1,000 local people each year in the comfort of their own homes and on the ward at the Hospice, at no charge.”
For further information please visit straphaels.org.uk.
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About St Raphael’s Hospice:
St Raphael’s Hospice is an independent charity providing free, specialist 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 includes specialist medical consultants, and clinical nurse specialists as well as a whole range of other healthcare professionals and experienced support teams. 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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