Weston Hospicecare has issued a call for increased funding to meet growing demand for its free palliative and end-of-life care services in Somerset, following the release of its 2023/2024 Impact Report. The report, published during the hospice’s 35th anniversary year, reveals a significant rise in patient need and warns of mounting financial challenges, with operational costs sharply increasing.
The hospice, based in Weston-super-Mare, provides a range of support services, from in-home assistance to inpatient care, at no charge to patients and families. However, the report highlights that demand for these services continues to grow, with a total of 1,949 patients cared for over the past year—an 11% increase on the previous year. At the same time, the daily operating costs for its 10-bed Inpatient Unit (IPU) have risen by 15%, adding further strain on the hospice’s limited resources.
Despite this, government support accounts for only around 20% of the hospice’s income, with the majority of funding coming from the local community. Fundraising efforts and income from charity shops are crucial to sustaining operations, yet both have been affected by the ongoing cost-of-living crisis. According to Julian Hall, Director of Fundraising and Communications at Weston Hospicecare, the hospice’s reliance on local contributions should not be as high as it is. “Government funding accounts for less than 20% of our total income, compared to a national hospice average of 26%,” he said. “We are heavily reliant on community support, and this shouldn’t be the case.”
Hall noted that the hospice is continuing to press local Integrated Care Boards (ICBs) for fairer funding, alongside calls from other hospices across the UK. The report details that 81% of the hospice’s funds are raised through community contributions, underscoring the essential role of local support in maintaining the hospice’s services.
Chief Executive of Weston Hospicecare, Paul Winspear, explained the gravity of the situation. “For 35 years, Weston Hospicecare has been a pillar of support for North Somerset and parts of Somerset, offering care and advice to those who need it most,” he said. “While we are proud to be able to support more patients and families than ever before, the future of our services is uncertain, with Government support dwindling and rising costs beyond our control.”
He added that the hospice has always managed its finances carefully, but the current situation is unsustainable in the face of growing patient demand. “Every member of our team is deeply committed to making a difference, and we will continue to do all we can to ensure that palliative care remains freely accessible in this area. However, immediate changes are needed to safeguard these essential services,” Winspear said.
The hospice’s Impact Report also highlights the growing complexity of conditions among its patients, reflecting a broader trend as the population ages and requires more specialised care. In response, the hospice is calling for a new funding model that would ensure greater financial stability for end-of-life care providers.
As demand for palliative care continues to rise, Weston Hospicecare remains hopeful that local businesses and supporters will step up to meet the increasing financial challenge. But for long-term sustainability, the hospice says a government-led funding solution is critical to securing the future of end-of-life care in the region.
