Hospices agree merger due to rising costs

South Bucks Hospice said its "wonderful facility" at Butterfly House was under-used

Two hospice charities in Buckinghamshire have announced they are planning to merge.

South Bucks Hospice in High Wycombe said it would join Florence Nightingale Hospice Charity, based in Aylesbury, because of rising costs.

In a statement, the board of South Bucks Hospice said it had reviewed its position in "the light of increasing demand for hospice services, the lack of central funding and increased costs".

The trustees "concluded that in the interests of our patients, their families and our staff, continuing to operate independently is not viable and would inevitably lead to the eventual demise of the service".

The trustees of both hospices said they had agreed in principle to the change for the benefit of their current and future patients.

It is anticipated that the proposed merger should be concluded by early September.

Noel Ratcliffe, chair of Florence Nightingale Hospice Charity said: "We're confident that news of our merger discussions with South Bucks Hospice will be reassuring to those in need of hospice care, as well as to the families, friends and professionals who support them.

"This collaboration reflects our shared commitment to providing the highest quality care to everyone across Buckinghamshire and its borders."

David Ellis, chair of South Bucks Hospice, said: "We believe this is now the best way forward to continue to serve the people of South Bucks, offering enhanced services that are financially sustainable.

"Patients and their families will remain our priority throughout."