Cost of living affecting donations to St Richard's

Experts have warned that hospices are facing a "critical" £47 million shortfall in funding as the cost of caring for dying patients and their families spirals.

Hospice UK used Freedom of Information laws to gather data from England's Integrated Care Boards (ICBs), which manage budgets and plan care for local people.

The data, obtained from 40 out of 42 ICBs, suggests adult hospices have experienced a real-term cut in their Government funding amounting to £47 million in the past two years, Hospice UK said.

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Mike Wilkerson, St Richard's Hospice Chief Executive. (Image: Martini Archive)

Mike Wilkerson, St Richard’s Hospice chief executive, said: “We are incredibly fortunate that our local community wholeheartedly supports St Richard’s in a wide variety of ways so we can continue to offer our free services.

“There is no doubt that the rises in the cost of living are having an impact on how much cash people have to donate to charities like St Richard’s. And just as the rises have an impact on household budgets, they also affect the hospice bills as well.

“However, thanks to careful financial planning over many years, and generous community support, St Richard’s is in a stable financial state.  

 “We thank our community for their ongoing support to help us through these challenging times. We understand that financial pressures are difficult for many and are very grateful for any support they are able to give. 

“We are also grateful for the continuing support of the NHS, who last year contributed 18 per cent of our total income.” 

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Baroness Ilora Finlay, co-chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Hospice and End of Life Care, said an inquiry is ongoing a year on from guidance issued as part of the Health and Care Act for ICBs in England to commission specialist palliative care services

She said: "We're undergoing an inquiry into whether this national duty has had its intended impact, and will be making recommendations for how the system can improve."

St Richard’s Hospice cares for adults with a serious progressive illness, improving their quality of life from diagnosis, during treatment and to their last days. It also supports their loved ones.   

Each year the hospice team supports more than 3,100 patients, family members and bereaved people in Worcestershire.