Hospice expands ward thanks to short-term funding

LOROS Hospice has announced an extra four beds will be added to its inpatient ward

A hospice in Leicester has secured funding to expand its inpatient ward with four additional beds, after rising costs forced it to reduce capacity last year.

LOROS Hospice's ward capacity was decreased from 31 beds to 18 and continues to face financial woes, with cuts to services announced in July in a bid to bridge a £2m income shortfall.

However, the charity said the four additional beds had been made possible for a four-month period thanks to funding from the Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland integrated care board.

LOROS marked its 40th anniversary this year with an elephant sculpture trail in Leicester and the sculptures were then sold at auction which raised more than £286,000.

Camilla Barrow, interim CEO of LOROS, said demand for beds was high

Camilla Barrow, interim CEO of LOROS, said: "We are grateful that our integrated care board commissioners recognise the importance of bringing more of our beds back into use.

"Their decision shows they value our role as a vital system provider during this pressured winter period, and we are extremely grateful for their confidence in the essential work we do.

"However, while the funding is time-limited, the need for high-quality palliative care is not.

"As things stand, these beds will close again in April 2026, which is simply wrong when demand is so high. All 31 of our beds should be available 365 days a year, but the funding isn't there to make that possible."

LOROS said in July that it would be cutting inpatient ward beds, day therapy and other services for patients and families.

Ms Barrow added: "Unlike many NHS services, people on hospice waiting lists do not have time to wait.

"These delays mean some individuals cannot access the care they need, denying them the end-of-life support they want and deserve. It is, in short, a tragedy for patients and their families.

"Temporary measures help us manage immediate pressures, but they do not address the underlying issues.

"Sustainable investment is essential to ensure no-one has to wait for the specialist, compassionate hospice care they deserve."