ST Clare Hospice has today announced that it has launched a consultation on proposed changes to its services, as it responds to a significant and growing funding shortfall.

Like many hospices across the UK, St Clare is facing unrelenting rising costs without a corresponding increase in statutory NHS funding. The hospice’s NHS funding has meant real term cuts for the hospice over several years. Despite making over £300,000 in savings over the past year, the hospice is facing a projected £1.3 million shortfall this year.

Each year, St Clare Hospice provides care and support to more than 1,500 patients across West Essex and the borders of eastern Hertfordshire – covering Uttlesford, Bishop’s Stortford, Harlow District and Epping Forest District – as well as thousands of family members and loved ones.

Nationally, more than 60% of hospices are expected to cut services before the end of 2026, highlighting the scale of the crisis facing end of life care.

As part of the consultation, which is expected to run until mid-July, the hospice is reviewing how best to protect its specialist end-of-life care for the future. This may result in a significant number of redundancies, with voluntary options being considered where possible, and a reduction in some services.

The hospice does not propose changes to its in-patient unit and all eight beds will remain fully open. They also are planning on maintaining their clinical nurse specialist and medical provision, although at a slightly reduced capacity.

However, due to the level of savings required the hospice is proposing to stop daytime personal care provision delivered as part of the Hospice at Home service. Hospice at Home is proposed to operate instead under a new model of a more specialist service for a smaller number of patients, including those requiring care overnight.

Other proposals under consultation affect several services, including dementia support, community engagement programmes, and the Griefline service. Patients currently using dementia support and Griefline will be supported to contact alternative services where available. Reductions in back-office functions and management staffing (including leadership) are also proposed.

All services remain open during the consultation period, and patient care continues to be the charity’s highest priority.

Sarah Thompson, Chief Executive of St Clare Hospice, said:
“This is not where we ever wanted to be. Like many hospices, we are facing the reality of rising cost pressures such as inflation and National Insurance bills without the funding needed to sustain the care our communities deserve and rely on.

“We have worked incredibly hard behind the scenes to avoid this point – reducing costs, finding efficiencies and seeking additional funding support wherever possible. Sadly, that has not been enough to close the gap.

“It is with real sadness that we now must consult on changes that will affect valued colleagues and patient care, as we take steps to ensure the hospice can continue to be here for those who will need us in the future.

“Our focus remains, as always, on the patients and families who depend on us, and on supporting our staff and volunteers through what is a very difficult time. We are proud to deliver outstanding care, recognised by the CQC, and we remain committed to maintaining that standard for every patient and family we support.

“We are hugely grateful for the continued support of our local community, which already plays such an important role in sustaining the hospice. For those who would like to support us now, please do visit our website to find out how you can help. However, the scale of the funding gap we face is simply too great to be met through community generosity alone. As this shortfall is driven by disparities in statutory NHS funding, it is neither fair nor sustainable to ask our community to bridge that gap year after year.

“We continue to stand alongside hospices across the country in calling for fair and sustainable funding. Without urgent action, more essential services will be at risk.”

Chair of Trustees, Jeff Phillips said: “As trustees, we have carefully scrutinised every option available to us, and these are decisions none of us ever wanted to face.

Our responsibility is to ensure that St Clare Hospice remains here for our community not just today, but for the future. The current funding model for hospices is not sustainable, and it is forcing organisations like ours into making incredibly difficult choices.

We are confident that this consultation is being approached with compassion, integrity and a clear focus on protecting the most essential care for patients and families. We stand fully behind the leadership team and all our staff as they navigate this challenging time.”

Supporters who wish to help the hospice now can. To do any of these things you can go to www.stclarehospice.org.uk

Donate to support hospice care
Set up a regular gift
Fundraise or volunteer
Contact their MP to advocate for fair hospice funding