Hospice calls for more sustainable funding

Local hospice, Treetops, is urging the government to provide sustainable funding for end-of-life care for terminally-ill patients.

Every year, Treetops Hospice cares for over 2,500 people and their families. Treetops nurses help care for patients at the very end of life who’ve chosen to die at home with their loved ones.

Experienced bereavement counsellors support adults and children who are struggling following the death of a loved one, often under traumatic circumstances.

The charity begins a third financial year with a deficit budget.

All Treetops services are provided free of charge, but the charity faces the challenge of a significant funding shortfall this financial year.

Philippa Shreeve, Director of Clinical Services, said: “It costs over £5.7million a year to provide our vital care in the local community and run the hospice.

“Like many other UK hospices, Treetops receives funding from the Integrated Care Board (ICB) that covers less than 18% of the costs for delivering several of our care services. So, the remaining £4.7million we must raise ourselves.

“Our overheads have increased significantly, partly due to increased National Insurance and the minimum wage. We are using our existing reserves to maintain the care our community needs. The continuing support of local people is crucial.

“If additional funding cannot be made available, then our dependence on the goodwill of our community will become more acute.”

Treetops was one of 170 hospices in England to receive a share of £25million from the government last month, with Treetops receiving £65,000.

But this funding must be spent on upgrades and refurbishments to hospice buildings and infrastructure, rather than on nursing people at home or providing bereavement counselling, which is where the hospice needs it the most.

Treetops welcomes donations to ensure the future of the hospice and its services: http://www.treetopshospice.org.uk/donate.