Lancaster hospice boss calls for more funding help after £380K government cash boost

St John's Hospice in Lancaster

The chief executive of Lancaster's hospice has welcomed a £380K government boost but said more help is needed to keep their vital services running in the long-term.

Sue McGraw was speaking after the government announced a £75m funding package for hospices including £380,000 for St John's Hospice.

She said "the current funding model is not sustainable in the long-term".

St John's Hospice on Slyne Road provides end of life care to patients across the Lancaster and Morecambe Bay area.

"We expect to receive £379,872 in this financial year," said Mrs McGraw.

"We will spend it on fixing our roof and upgrading our heating and energy systems.

"It's a wonderful boost, but we really need help with the on-going costs of providing our specialist care in the hospice and in patients' homes.

"So many hospices across the country and cutting services and reducing bed numbers.

"We are not in that position, but the current funding model is not sustainable in the long-term."

The hospice website says: "We depend on your donations to help us carry out our vital palliative care in the hospice and in patient's homes. 

"Every year we launch appeals to support the care of patients and families because St John's Hospice is a charity.

"Around 30 per cent of our funding is from the NHS, 70 per cent comes from people like you in our community.

"St John’s Hospice does not charge for the care it gives. This means we need to raise £434 per hour to keep caring."

The government said the money would help improve facilities and upgrade care for people at the end of their lives - including creating more comfortable spaces for patients and their families, such as family rooms, communal areas, and specialist equipment to improve comfort and dignity.

“I’m absolutely delighted to see our Labour government investing in our hospices," said Lizzi Collinge, MP for Morecambe and Lunesdale.

“Hospices do such vital work – supporting patients and families at the most difficult times," said Stephen Kinnock, Minister for Care.

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