A hospice charity situated in Lincolnshire, known as St Barnabas Hospice, has expressed the possibility of workforce reduction due to financial difficulties. In an effort to control spiralling costs, the charity is encouraging staff to consider voluntary resignation. The urgent call for immediate action has been highlighted by Becky Franks, the director of patient care at the hospice, with the aim to ensure the charity’s sustainability for years to come.
Despite receiving a significant financial aid package from the Department of Health and Social Care, which has been praised as the greatest in recent times, the financial conundrum remains unaddressed. The hospice, which is a pivotal provider of palliative and end-of-life care through its establishments in Lincoln and Grantham, experiences daily operational costs amounting to a hefty £40,000. The charity relies on the government for barely 44% of its funding, making fundraising efforts the primary method for meeting the remaining costs.
The ever-increasing expenses, including the surge in energy bills and an obligation to adhere to wage hikes, are growing faster than the charity’s income. The annual increase in the Living Wage is anticipated to inflate costs by an additional £350,000. Franks maintains that patient care is ongoing, but foresees inevitable service cutbacks unless proper funding is procured.
The hospice has received a £236,000 grant specifically for refurbishing the buildings but unfortunately, this cannot be used to cover the staff or service costs. The Department of Health and Social care has acknowledged a £100 million funding increment for hospices, with a strategic plan to boost community-based healthcare.
The original version of this article was reported by www.bbc.com and has been adapted by The Lincoln Post.
