St Barnabas Hospice currently receives just 44% statutory funding. We are experiencing an increasingly challenging and uncertain time, with rising running costs of £40,000 per day and recent National Insurance and National Living Wage increases further impacting our position.
This is despite a recent one-off government capital investment, which must only be used for building maintenance, technology equipment and income generation opportunities. It cannot legally be used to pay salaries or fund services.
An emerging trend of current and recurring operational deficits is not financially sustainable.
St Barnabas Hospice is not alone in facing this, and many Hospices and other charities are also struggling in the current climate with services being cut sector-wide. As responsible custodians of the charity, we are taking early, transparent steps to protect our services and sustainability.
Anyone currently receiving our hospice care either at the Inpatient Units or at home will not be affected.
St Barnabas CEO, Chris Wheway explains:
St Barnabas CEO, Chris Wheway explains: “Over the past year, including during our Christmas ‘Light Up A Life’ appeal, we have been open about the growing financial pressures facing St Barnabas Hospice.
“We are proud of the work we do, and proud of the people who make it possible. We are considering every option to manage our resources wisely and reduce costs where possible, introducing a mutually agreed resignation scheme (MARS) and exploring new income generation opportunities.
“We are working hard to ensure that St Barnabas Hospice remains here for future generations, offering compassionate, dignified care to those who need us most.”
Collaborating closely with staff, volunteers and partners – including the Lincolnshire Integrated Care Board – we hope to find the best path forward. We remain committed to delivering outstanding palliative and end-of-life care across the county.
We are deeply grateful to our community for their continued support, now more than ever.