Weston Hospicecare has published its 2023/2024 Impact Report, highlighting a year of growing patient need and increased demand for services against a backdrop of immense financial pressure.
The hospice, located in Weston-super-Mare, has continued to deliver completely free-of-charge palliative and end of life care to families across Somerset throughout 2023/2024, but warns that rising costs and growing demand are putting a huge strain on resources.
The report, released in the hospice’s 35th anniversary year, details how the local hospice cared for 1,949 patients, an 11% increase on the previous year. From in-home support to inpatient care, Weston Hospicecare’s range of services, which are free at the point of need, provide comfort and dignity at a critical time in people’s lives.
Paired with growing demand, the report also illustrates inexorable rises in operating costs, with a 15% increase in the daily running of its 10 bedded In Patient Unit (IPU) on 2022/2023.
Despite just 20% of its annual income coming from the Government, the hospice remains dedicated to responding to need and ensuring that local people continue to have access to free palliative care in their community.
Paul Winspear, Weston Hospicecare Chief Executive said: “For 35 years, Weston Hospicecare has been a pillar of support for North Somerset and parts of Somerset, offering care and advice to those who need it most. Our latest Impact Report details the growing need for our services in this area and whilst we are proud to be able to offer support to more patients and families than before, the future of many services is becoming increasingly uncertain, with dwindling Government support and the rise of costs which are beyond our control.
“We have always been financially prudent, but our current financial situation is not sustainable and with growing patient demand predicted only to increase, something needs to change urgently. Every member of our team is deeply committed to making a difference in the lives of those who need us, and we will continue to do all we can to ensure that palliative care continues to be freely accessible in this area, despite the significant challenges that lie ahead.”
The 2023/2024 Impact Report provides a breakdown of the hospice’s income, detailing that 81% of funds come from generous community support in the form of fundraising in its many forms and charity shops, both of which have been impacted by the ongoing cost-of-living crisis. This support has enabled the hospice to continue its care services, even as the population grows and the complexity of conditions increases.
Julian Hall, Director of Fundraising and Communications explained: “With Government funding accounting for less than 20% of the hospice’s total income, compared to the national average of 26%, we are heavily reliant on community support, and this shouldn’t be the case. We will continue to make the case locally to the ICBs (Integrated Care Boards) for fairer funding and add our voice to those of other hospices across the UK, but unless something changes, we will continue to rely on our fantastic supporters and hope that they can rise to this new financial challenge.”
As the demand for Weston Hospicecare’s compassionate, free palliative care increases, so too does its reliance on the generosity of supporters. Rising costs are outstripping growth of income and while the hospice remains steadfast in its commitment to caring for local patients and families, sustaining these essential end of life services depends on immediate change, including a new funding model for hospices by the Government, and even greater local community and business support.
The full version of Weston Hospicecare’s 2023/2024 Impact Report is available to read here.