St Giles Hospice has today announced it will focus on its very core specialist palliative care services, as the organisation battles to address a £1.5 million deficit amid a deepening national hospice funding crisis.
Following a period of consultation with staff which began in August, the hospice has been forced to cut 21 jobs and reduce its inpatient capacity from 23 to just 15 beds, marking one of the most significant changes in the organisation’s 40-year history.
The hospice has reduced its Inpatient Unit bed provision from 23 to 15 beds, and going forwards, they will continue to operate 12 specialist palliative care beds, as they have always done, along with three end-of-life care beds, with their Therapies and Family Support and Bereavement teams working closely with Inpatient care teams.
These changes come as hospices across the UK face a collective £77 million funding deficit. St Giles Hospice itself is addressing an annual budget deficit of £1.5 million, reflecting the widening gap between rising operational costs and available funding.
Elinor Eustace, Interim CEO of St Giles Hospice, said: “We remain fully committed to providing outstanding end of life care to local people and their families, where and when they need it. However, the landscape in which hospices operate is evolving, and St Giles needs to adapt to keep up with changes and challenges currently being faced in palliative and end of life care, whilst ensuring good financial management.
“Following careful consideration and consultation, we have consolidated our services to focus on our core specialist palliative care provision. While these decisions have been incredibly difficult, they are essential to safeguard the future of our services and ensure the long-term survival of St Giles,” she said.
The hospice, which has been serving the community for over 40 years, has seen increasing pressure on its resources. Like many in the sector, St Giles has experienced a real-terms reduction in statutory funding, while simultaneously managing significant increases in operational costs. The ongoing cost-of-living crisis has also impacted voluntary income, as supporters face their own financial challenges.
Robin Vickers, Chair of the Board of Trustees, added: “Our priority throughout this process has been to maintain the highest possible level of care while ensuring the long-term sustainability of our services. We have consolidated our Community care provision to create a seamless journey for our patients, specifically retaining and combining our Advice and Referrals Centre, Hospice at Home, Respite and Community nursing services.”
The hospice sector as a whole is facing significant financial challenges nationally, with many organisations having to make similar decisions. St Giles continues to work alongside Hospice UK and other hospices to advocate for sustainable funding solutions.
St Giles Hospice emphasised they remain committed to supporting patients and their families across their catchment area, which includes Staffordshire, North Birmingham and surrounding areas. The hospice will continue to provide care both at their sites in Whittington and Sutton Coldfield and in patients’ own homes across the region.
