Since joining the Hospice in January, I’ve been blown away by the passion and dedication that our staff and volunteers show to make sure we
can provide life-changing care for the people of Milton Keynes and its surrounding areas.
It’s humbling to meet nurses who regularly surpass their duties to make our patients and their families as comfortable as possible. And it’s inspiring to meet
fundraisers who are out in all weathers, seven days a week, running events to raise much-needed cash for our care.
There are too many hard-working teams, individuals and volunteers to name here, but this report will help you see the breadth of what they do and the
impact it has on our community.
This year we’ve supported more than 1,000 patients and their loved ones, either in their own home or at the Hospice. We know the specialist care, information,
advice and therapy we offer comes at a time when many of those people are struggling to cope. Whether they’re struggling to understand a diagnosis, or struggling to manage work and family life as a carer – we’re here to help.
Milton Keynes is the third-fastest growing city in the UK, with the population rising by 15% between 2012 and 2022. It will continue to expand and, as a new
town established in the 1970s, there is a higher-than- average ageing population.
Nationally, it’s estimated that 75% of people will have a palliative care need in their last year of life. All of these factors clearly have a huge effect on the demand for our services.
During 2024/25 we’ll be more strident and transparent about the financial challenges we’re facing. The ever increasing cost of providing our care, plus historic
underinvestment from the NHS, have taken their toll. Without a fairer level of NHS funding and increased fundraising, we won’t be able to continue offering the
full range of free-of-charge services that we currently do.
I do hope you’ll understand the severity of our position and advocate for the Hospice at every opportunity.
Your voice alongside ours has never been more needed or appreciated.
We’ll be launching our new strategy soon, focused on getting our organisation fit for the future – both financially and in terms of adapting to meet the needs
of our changing community.
As well as the city’s population growing, it’s becoming ever more diverse. We want to develop our care so that it’s not just accessible for everyone, but wholeheartedly welcoming to and respectful of everyone.
In August 2024 our Chair of Trustees, Paul Davis, finished his seven-year term. We’re very thankful for the time and energy Paul invested in the Hospice during
a period of significant expansion and unprecedented national change. Our new Chair, Rachel Medill, was inducted over the summer. Having founded and served
as Chief Executive of Ride High, Rachel brings with her fantastic local charity experience.
Personally, it’s an incredible privilege to be here, running an organisation that’s at the very heart of this city and steadfastly committed to caring for its community.
Thank you for your support – we couldn’t do what we do for local people without you.
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Kate Broadhurst
Chief Executive
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