St Catherine’s hospice faces severe financial challenges, risking vital care services for patients and families in need
West Sussex: It’s been a tough time for charities since the pandemic hit in 2020. Many have struggled to keep their doors open, and St Catherine’s hospice is no exception.
This charity, mainly serving the south-east, provides essential care for patients and support for their families. But the financial strain has been overwhelming.
They’ve been grappling with funding issues for years, and it’s really starting to show. The lack of donations from the public and support from the government has put them in a tight spot.
Right now, they’re facing a staggering £1.5 million in debt. They’re trying to figure out how to cut costs to keep their services running for folks in West Sussex and East Surrey.
Staffing is a huge part of their expenses, making up over 77% of their costs. Unfortunately, they’re looking at cutting more than 40 jobs, including nurses and carers.
This is a big deal because it means fewer people to care for those who need it most, especially at such a critical time in their lives.
The recent budget from Rachel Reeves has only added to the pressure. With rising living wages and national insurance costs, charities like St Catherine’s are really feeling the pinch.
Giles Tomsett, the hospice’s Chief Executive, mentioned that they’ve had to make tough decisions, like reducing support teams and changing how their therapy services work.
This means patients might not get the care they need, and many dedicated staff members could lose their jobs after years of hard work.
They’ve even had to cut back their helpline hours, which used to be available 24/7. Now, it only runs from 8 am to 4 pm on weekdays, leaving many without the support they desperately need.
St Catherine’s is in a real bind, having to slash services just to stay afloat, which is leaving patients and their families in a really tough spot.
