Saint Francis Hospice, a cherished local charity, celebrated its 42nd birthday on July 23, marking a year of significant growth and enhanced care. The hospice supported 2,945 people across its services, a 30% increase from the previous year, while maintaining its 'Outstanding' rating from the Care Quality Commission (CQC).
Increased Access to Care
Referrals to services rose by 11%, and fewer patients died before receiving support, indicating that more local residents are accessing hospice care earlier. The charity also completed a £2m ward redevelopment, creating modern, welcoming spaces for patients and families.
Expanded Services
The Enhanced Hospice at Home service was strengthened, and the OrangeLine helpline broadened its support. Over the past 12 months, 285 people were admitted to the ward for specialist care, with an average stay of 11 days. Nursing teams delivered 6,264 Hospice at Home visits to 807 individuals, enabling care at home without emergency services.
Bereavement support included 4,462 counselling sessions provided to 964 adults and 107 children, while 743 people received pastoral care. Community support remained robust, with 17,461 people and organisations backing the charity during 2025/26, including 1,320 community fundraisers, 2,191 event participants, and 6,624 weekly lottery players.
CEO Statement
Grazina Berry, chief executive of Saint Francis Hospice, said: "As we celebrate 42 years of caring for our community, I'm incredibly proud of everything our staff, volunteers and supporters have achieved together. Over the past year we've responded to increasing demand for our services while continuing to provide outstanding, compassionate care. The fact that we supported nearly 3,000 people this year, helping more people access care earlier and in the place that is right for them, is a testament to the dedication of our teams and the generosity of our community. Thanks to that generosity, we have continued to invest in our services, raising more than £5m through fundraising and generating almost £3m through our retail operations. This support enables us to reach more people when they need us most. At the same time, we know the challenges facing hospices remain significant, we keep applying the pressure on the government for more sustainable funding and remain committed to ensuring the hospice remains financially secure so we can continue to be there for future generations."
Community Engagement
The charity continues to strengthen community engagement across Barking & Dagenham and Redbridge to break down barriers to care, ensuring compassionate support remains available for everyone who needs it in Havering, Barking and Dagenham, Redbridge, and Brentwood.
