Devon Hospice Warns of “Difficult Decisions” Amid Funding Shortfall

Leaders of a hospice in Devon have stated that “difficult decisions” will be necessary unless the government introduces a financial support package with increased aid. St Luke’s Hospice Plymouth reported that it is among numerous hospices across the UK experiencing a funding shortfall subsequent to the government’s Budget announcement in October. George Lillie, the chief executive, mentioned experiencing many “sleepless nights” because new measures, such as an increase in national insurance employer contributions, could potentially increase the hospice’s staffing budget by an additional £700,000. A spokesperson for the Department of Health and Social Care indicated that details regarding hospice funding for the upcoming year would be disclosed in “due course”. Mr Lillie stated: “I have a lot of sleepless nights. “I do not want to generate fear, but I am becoming more and more worried.”We are about providing special care for people at the most important time of their lives. “We will not be cutting corners, but, if we get into the tail-end of next year, we may well have to make some big decisions about our services going forward. “That’s a scary place to be.” Ray Day, aged 77, who has advanced prostate cancer, receives visits from hospice carers at his residence three to four times daily. Mr. Day expressed that being supported by St Luke’s was “very rewarding” and noted that the charity had installed a stair-lift at his home. He commented: “I’m feeling absolutely deflated that this condition… has hit me.”Our son, who lives here, says: ‘Dad, you have to just get on with it because we are all going to go at some stage and it’s just your turn now.’ “It’s hard for me to accept that but I’ve just got to get on with it.” He remarked that his wife, Sandra, managed all his medication and “should have been a doctor.” He further added: “If it wasn’t for Sandra, I wouldn’t be here.” Mrs Day stated: “We take each day as it comes and each day is a challenge. We deal with it as a couple. “We laugh, we do cry, but we have had a good life. If there is a problem, we have people we can call.” Teresa Bickle, a specialist palliative care community nurse, mentioned that she has been employed at St Luke’s for nine years and has provided support to Mr and Mrs Day. She explained: “We have regular phone contact and, if there are things with Ray’s symptom control or complex symptoms that happen, Sandra will ring and we will do some adjusting of medication. “I would liaise with the GP practice if we needed any change in medication.”We have increased the care. Initially it was just once every morning, but things were proving more difficult because of Ray’s deterioration with his mobility and in general.” This enhanced level of care has allowed Mr Day to stay at home alongside his family. Ms Bickle stated that she assists families by discussing emotional, psychological, physical, and medication support. She added: “We talk about anything and everything. We give Ray any opportunity if he needs any support from our patient and families support service.” Robert Eaves, also suffering from advanced prostate cancer, has been an inpatient at St Luke’s for approximately one month. He commented: “I’m living. I have access to the NHS, which, in many countries, you wouldn’t have access to anything. “I am very grateful to be in the UK. I’m very grateful to the NHS. The staff here are fantastic.” Mr. Eaves mentioned that he was not contemplating “the end” as it did not trouble him, given his ability to get up and wash as desired to “live a normal life.” He expressed a desire to return home shortly and was having his bungalow modified to accommodate wheelchair access. The Department of Health and Social Care stated: “We are working to make sure everyone has access to high-quality end-of-life care.”The choices the chancellor made in the Budget allowed us to invest another £26bn in health and social care.” Readers can follow BBC Devon on X, Facebook, and Instagram, and submit story ideas to spotlight@bbc.co.uk. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC disclaims responsibility for the content of external sites. Information regarding their approach to external linking is available.