More sustainable funding needed to help us care for local patients

Treetops is urging the government to provide sustainable funding for end-of-life care for terminally-ill patients, as the charity begins a third financial year with a deficit budget.

A recent article by respected BBC health correspondent Nick Triggle summarised the precarious financial situation facing all hospices across the UK:

• At least three-quarters of the 650,000 people who die every year in the UK require palliative (end-of-life) care.
• Hospital is the most common place of death, although the overwhelming majority of people say they would like to die at home
• Hospice services are in financial difficulties and the current approach to funding is not sustainable.
• Over the next decade, the number of deaths a year is expected to increase by 12%.
• Just shifting 20% of the money spent caring for dying people in hospital would be transformative for community services as it would double current spending

Challenging financial year ahead

Every year, Treetops cares for over 2,500 people and their families. Our nurses help care for patients at the very end of life who’ve chosen to die at home with their loved ones. Our experienced bereavement counsellors support adults and children who are struggling following the death of a loved one, often under traumatic circumstances.

All the hospice services are provided free of charge, but we face the challenge of a significant funding shortfall this financial year.

Philippa Shreeve, Director of Clinical Services, said:

“It costs over £5.7million a year to provide our vital care in the local community and run the hospice. Like many other UK hospices, Treetops receives funding from the Integrated Care Board (ICB). This covers less than 18% of the costs for delivering several of our care services. So, the remaining £4.7million we must raise ourselves.“Our overheads have increased significantly, partly due to increased National Insurance and the minimum wage. We are using our existing reserves to maintain the care our community needs. The continuing support of local people is crucial. If additional funding cannot be made available, then our dependence on the goodwill of our community will become more acute.

More sustainable funding needed

“The cash reserves we rely on today have come from gifts left in people’s wills, our charity shops and other kind donations. Unfortunately, this isn’t sustainable or reliable funding. Much more needs to be done to provide hospices like Treetops with long-term funding and ensure we can continue to provide our care for many years to come.”

Treetops was one of 170 hospices in England to receive a share of £25million from the government last month, with the charity receiving £65,000. But this funding comes with restrictions, Phil explained:

“Whilst the government grant was very welcome, this money must be spent on upgrades and refurbishments to our hospice buildings and infrastructure. The funding can’t be spent on nursing people at home or providing bereavement counselling, which is where we need it the most.”

Help us continue to provide local care

We are doing all we can to continue to support those in most need. We are using our reserves sensibly and investing in raising more funding. We welcome donations to ensure the future of the hospice and our services.