Your local Hospice – keeping the doors open in a pandemic

Wednesday, 25 November 2020
Your local Hospice – keeping the doors open in a pandemic
Recent news reports have highlighted the financial impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on charities and that two-thirds of hospices in England are planning redundancies.
 
Extra government support of the Hospice sector early on in the pandemic has helped keep The Prince of Wales Hospice's doors open. A further announcement was made this week about a winter funding package for Hospices, however it is unclear at this stage how these funds will be divided and there is still uncertainty about ongoing additional funding next year.
 
Securing essential government funding at a local level continues to be a struggle for the Hospice, with current funding levels lower than the regional and national averages. Whilst all commissioning partners are collaborating to address funding issues, financial security remains a concern for The Prince of Wales Hospice.
 
Throughout the pandemic, the Hospice has been overwhelmed by the support of the local community, which has really stepped up to help keep beds available for those needing end of life care. However, as the crisis continues to severely hamper fundraising activity at the Hospice, changes have had to be made to maximise the most profitable opportunities and make cost savings where income has been worst affected.  The decision was made not to reopen the Hospice’s Selby charity shop and there have been a small number of redundancies, with no further redundancies planned.
 
New opportunities have presented with the opening of a bigger shop in Kippax, which has almost double the floor space of the former unit. Expanded stock ranges include baby, gifts and children’s toys, which the charity is hoping will add to the success of what was already a very popular shop.
 
Connections with local schools have proved invaluable and upcoming Christmas fundraising by children in the community is heart-warming, as are local businesses that have stepped up to pledge their support in what is a difficult time for everyone.
 
Thanks to generous donations of PPE throughout the pandemic, the Hospice’s Incare ward has been able to remain open to admissions, however some outpatient services have had to been suspended.
 
Jo Schofield, Head of Clinical Services said; ‘The Hospice is continually adapting and keeping in touch with patients and families over the phone and via video calls.
Visiting restrictions are hard for families and staff alike but it is a must to keep patients, who are most at risk, as safe as we can.’
 
As one relative said, “You helped us all when we were struggling. To those who held mom’s hand when we couldn't be there for her final moments - thank you. You mean so much to families like ours.” 
 
The Prince of Wales Hospice would like to thank the local community for such loyal and generous support both now and through the tough times that are no doubt ahead. The Hospice’s doors will continue to be open to provide loving care to those in the community who need it, thanks to generous supporters, people like you.
 
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