Hospice pauses some services amid funding woes

A hospice has announced a pause in some of its services as the sector continues to face funding challenges.

The Shakespeare Hospice in Shottery, Warwickshire, said it was temporarily halting its day hospice services, and its occupational therapy offer would also close at the end of September.

Bosses said they were navigating "one of the most difficult funding climates" the sector had ever faced, with NHS cash only covering about 12% of its income.

Tracey Sheridan, CEO at The Shakespeare Hospice, called on the community, partners and supporters to stand with the hospice during this time.

"Every donation, every act of support and every opportunity to raise awareness will make a real difference in helping us protect the care we provide, both now and in the future," she said.

"This is not a decision we have taken lightly. Without making these changes now, we would be putting the future of the hospice itself at risk."

The day hospice services include social events and drop-in sessions for people living with life-limiting conditions.

The hospice, which was recently rated outstanding by the Care Quality Commission, said its team would be thinking about how to adapt and develop its services to be more sustainable.

It added that the changes would affect all clinical departments, and were expected to be implemented from October.

Flagship services like hospice at home, adult counselling, bereavement support, complementary therapies, physiotherapy and family support, would continue as normal.

The announcement comes seven months after the hospice received £35,338 as part of a £2.2m funding package for facilities across the West Midlands.

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