Queenscourt Hospice Announces Drastic Service Cuts Amid Financial Turmoil
Queenscourt Hospice has revealed it will slash its in-patient ward capacity from 10 to just five beds, a move driven by severe financial uncertainty. This decision follows a stark warning issued just four weeks ago, when the hospice indicated it might have to reduce essential services due to operating with a £2 million deficit.
Widespread Reductions in Core Services
In addition to the bed cuts, Queenscourt is being forced to scale back several critical clinical services. These include reductions in Queenscourt at Home Shifts and Outpatient Therapy Services, as well as cuts to Housekeeping and Catering Services. The hospice has cautioned that without immediate intervention, it could face complete closure within 18 months, resulting in the loss of all jobs.
Queenscourt, which has provided compassionate end-of-life care to patients and families across West Lancashire, Formby, and Southport for 35 years, is grappling with multiple financial challenges. The hospice's financial position is now described as untenable, threatening its long-standing mission.
Funding Shortfalls and Rising Costs
Last year, only 24% of Queenscourt's funding came from the NHS, forcing the hospice to rely heavily on short-term grants, fundraising efforts, and personal donations to cover the remaining costs of its services. Compounding this issue are escalating expenses, including rising salaries, new tax initiatives like employee National Insurance, and increased energy bills. Government funding has failed to keep pace with these rising costs, leading to the current £2 million deficit.
Queenscourt is engaged in ongoing discussions with the Integrated Care Boards (ICBs) of Lancashire and South Cumbria and Cheshire and Merseyside, which currently provide 24% of its annual core costs. The aim is to increase this contribution to 35-40%. However, it is unlikely that such funding will materialize until at least 2029, a timeline the hospice cannot sustain its current services until.
Urgent Calls for Community Support
Dr Clare Finnegan, Executive Medical Director at Queenscourt Hospice, emphasized the gravity of the situation. "Queenscourt has been operating with an annual deficit of approximately £2 million for the past two years, and we face a similar shortfall for 2026/27," she stated. "We have been drawing on our reserves to maintain services while seeking additional funding from the Integrated Care Boards. However, we have been advised that significant funding won't be available until 2029. Without cost-cutting measures, Queenscourt will be forced to close. This is an outcome we cannot accept, and urgent action is necessary for our survival."
In response to the crisis, Queenscourt has relaunched its Keep Queenscourt in Service campaign to raise vital funds. Dr Finnegan added, "The support from our community has been incredible, but we urgently need more help. We urge people to support Queenscourt through donations, volunteering, fundraising, or leaving a gift in their will. Every contribution helps us continue providing vital end-of-life care and protect our hospice's future."
The hospice is calling on the public to assist during this immediate funding crisis by visiting its campaign page or contacting the Fundraising Team. Additionally, supporters are encouraged to reach out to their local MPs to advocate on behalf of Queenscourt, highlighting the broader impact of funding shortfalls on hospice services.
