Hospice could end at-home care over funding fears

Willen Hospice is calling for people to show the NHS how widely-supported it is by the community

A hospice could be forced into terminating its at-home care for end of life patients due to funding concerns.

Willen Hospice, in Milton Keynes, said the service was funded entirely by donations, despite it being used by 86% of patients.

Its bosses have called for 10,000 people to sign a campaign showing its importance as the only hospice in the city.

"We know we’re making a real difference, it’s just we need the funding," said Amy Malburn, a matron at the hospice.

About 14% of Willen's service is funded by the NHS, with the rest reliant on fundraisers to stay afloat.

'Heartbreaking decision'

The hospice did not want to look at cutting its home provision but it could be forced into a decision, Ms Malburn said.

The free-of-charge service includes home visits, palliative care advice and support for family, friends and carers.

"Things cost money and the cost of everything has gone up across the country," she said.

"We don’t ever want to get to a position where we’re looking at our provision and what we’re able to offer."

Ms Malburn added the at-home service "means the world" to patients.

"We know that we’re needed, we know that we’re valued, but we could really do with some funding too," she said.

Appealing for support, Willen Hospice warned it "may have to take the heartbreaking decision to cut back core services" if its income did not increase.

"The people of Milton Keynes rely on the services Willen Hospice provides," said its director of services, Kike Pinheiro.