Hospice faces £1m deficit, prompting father’s appeal for government aid

Forget Me Not Children’s Hospice, located in Huddersfield, has initiated an appeal following its announcement of a £1m funding shortfall, which could result in 16 job losses and a decrease in available services. This situation has led the father of a terminally ill boy, who depends on the hospice, to urge the government for additional assistance. Steve Lord, father of 10-year-old Ethan, who lives with a life-limiting brain condition, characterized the potential inability of the hospice to continue its support as “frightening”. The Department of Health and Social Care stated it was “aware of the financial pressures facing the hospice sector” and that it was “working closely with NHS England urgently to address these issues”. The hospice reported an annual operational expense of £6m, with 90% of this sum generated through fundraising efforts. The remaining portion traditionally originated from consistent government funding. According to the service, its NHS funding has been reduced by approximately one-third since the 2021/22 fiscal year, concurrently with an increase in its own expenditures. Ethan’s condition renders him unable to speak, walk, or feed himself. Following his diagnosis two years prior, the hospice has supplied his family with a professional support network. He suffers from adrenoleukodystrophy (ALD), a rare ailment that leads to a gradual deterioration of physical and mental capabilities. “Ethan’s care package is built around here,” stated Mr Lord, 60. “When he’s here he’s comfortable, it’s a lovely environment. It’s not clinical and he’s treated like a normal person. “They know what’s right and wrong for him and being here means he spends a lot less time in hospital.” He further commented: “The thought of all the good stuff that’s left being snatched away because someone can’t see the benefit of not looking after places like this is heartbreaking. “If this place isn’t here when the time comes I don’t know what we’re going to do.” The hospice indicated that the proposed redundancies represent approximately one-tenth of its total workforce. Gareth Pierce, the chief executive, explained: “As a result of rising staff and energy costs, uncertainty over future statutory funding and a tough year for fundraising and in our shops, we face a real term gap in our finances of £1m.“We need to take action now to protect our future and ensure we can continue to be here for the local families who need us.” A spokesperson for the Department of Health and Social Care remarked: “Every family whose child requires end of life care deserves access to the best possible service. “We are aware of the financial pressures facing the hospice sector and are working closely with NHS England urgently to address these issues.”We are determined to shift more healthcare into the community and ensure patients and their families receive high-quality, personalised care in the most appropriate setting, and hospices will have a big role to play in that shift.” For highlights from West Yorkshire, tune into BBC Sounds, view the most recent installment of Look North, or submit a story you believe warrants coverage. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC bears no responsibility for the content found on external websites. Information regarding our policy on external links is available here.