Springhill Hospice in crisis with £1 million shortfall

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The future of palliative care in Rochdale is under threat, as Springhill Hospice enters a £1million shortfall in 2023 and urgently needs your help.

Springhill Hospice has been a lifeline to countless patients and their loved ones for the past 30 years, as thousands of people have found solace through the specialist free services, care and compassion they provide.

A number of factors have impacted Springhill Hospice in recent years which has led to its current financial state. As the cost of living has skyrocketed, Springhill has experienced a colossal rise in energy and running costs, accompanied with a lack of increased government funding, which has left the hospice in crisis.

Dr Charlotte Barber, senior hospice doctor, said: “Springhill is the only palliative care team in the borough of Rochdale; most people think that we are part of the NHS, but we are actually a registered charity and get most of our funding from the people of Rochdale.

“It costs just under £15,000 each day to fund the care we provide at Springhill Hospice and more than half of this needs to come from donations from our local community.”

Worries for the future of the hospice have never been so high and Springhill Hospice is in a position that, due to their current financial situation, vital services may have to be cut to prevent closure.

Springhill Hospice is continually looking at new ways to generate income, and ways to tighten expenditure to prevent the reality of having to stop some of its services.

The hospice has launched a regular giving appeal to help secure funds. Those who are able to give a regular gift to the hospice, can help to provide tailored end of life care to patients and their loved ones. Every gift, no matter the size, will help Springhill Hospice to continue to provide care and support to patients and their loved ones, who are going through the most difficult time of their lives.

Dr Charlotte Barber, hospice doctor, also shared her fears for the future of the hospice. She said: “The work that we do wouldn’t be possible without the help of our supporters.

“I understand that the cost-of-living crisis will have had an impact on them too, but after talking to families every day, I recognise that people don’t realise the importance of the hospice until they need it.

“We have supported the community for over 30 years, and I am really scared we won’t be here for the next 30.”

Sam Wells, chief executive, said: “The past three years have created a perfect storm for the hospice sector. This amazing community is the reason the hospice exists at all. We completely understand how much everyone has been affected by the cost-of-living crisis but a small regular gift of £3 a month or whatever you can afford, could make all the difference and enable us to continue our services.”

Springhill Hospice has also worked very closely with Kirsty Makin - whose husband, Tom, was cared for by the hospice at home team - to create a moving film. It highlights the value of the hospice, and the support Springhill was able to provide to Tom and his family during the most difficult time of their lives.

To support Springhill Hospice in continuing to provide free, vital services to the communities of Rochdale, Heywood and Middleton, please visit www.springhill.org.uk/regular-gift

If you would like more information, please contact the Fundraising Team on 01706 641790 (Opt 1) or email fundraisng@springhill.org.uk for more information.