Dorothy House Hospice Care is facing a critical financial shortfall which, without remedy, threatens the specialist end of life care it currently provides to patients and families across its 800 square mile patch.
Rising costs, National Insurance and minimum wage hikes, alongside stagnant government funding at 20% of total costs, has had a major impact on the financial sustainability of the Hospice.
Together in the face of adversity
Known for its innovation, collaboration and CQC rated outstanding care, Dorothy House is now appealing to MPs, local influencers and its loyal community to stand together to highlight the gravity of the situation.
Wayne de Leeuw, Chief Executive of Dorothy House Hospice Care, said,
“We urgently need the support of our community and the government to ensure we continue offering the specialist care and support that our patients and their families deserve. No one should face death alone and yet this financial gap places huge pressure on our workforce to make difficult decisions about who can receive our care, at a time when we want everyone to have equal access to our specialist support.”
“Last year Dorothy House cared for more than 3000 patients and 1000 loved ones completely free of charge. We have done this in the face of enormous funding adversity because it is the right thing to do, but now, more than ever, we need help to ensure people can die with dignity.”
You can watch Wayne’s video here.
The charity is appealing to anyone who will one day need its services, to stand with Dorothy House in the face adversity, to help protect vital core services now and into the future. Supporters can attend an event, donate to and visit the shops, run their own fundraiser or simply donate via the website.
Rising costs
Over the past three years, the cost of running the Hospice has risen from £46,000/day to £52,000/day (based on 2022 to 2024 figures). With the number of people needing specialist end of life care predicted to rise by 25% by 2048, the Hospice is in need of urgent financial support. Dorothy House has longer term plans to campaign for change to ensure hospices are able to secure fair, long-term funding solutions. However, there is an immediate critical fundraising shortfall which the recent government announcement of a one-off cash injection has not completely addressed.
Resolute in its approach, Dorothy House Hospice Care continues to support more and more patients like Emma through its core services; on the specialist inpatient unit in Winsley and in through its community palliative care teams visiting people’s homes.
“Everyone dies at some point. But that doesn’t necessarily make it any less scary. It makes me think if this hadn’t been there, how much harder this journey to death would be. I couldn’t have done it. My family couldn’t have done it without Dorothy House.” – Emma Lynham
You can watch Emma’s emotional video here.
Even small donations can make a big difference in ensuring that patients like Emma and her family receive the care they need during the toughest times of their lives.
Efficiencies and innovation
The Hospice has aligned its strategic planning with NHS localised community models, bringing care closer to those who need it and has served 5% more patients and 15% more families in just one year.
Their digital first approach has expanded the self-service resources on their website, allowing anyone, anywhere to access free information and advice.
This year, in a unique fundraising super sprint, the charity raised over £350,000 in 36 hours, saw its dedications on Firefly lights grow to £165,000 and is even bringing a Zipline to Bath City Centre in 2025, yet still its £5.7 million retail income continues to outstrip its £3.8 million funding from government.
This is why the charity is appealing to anyone who will one day need its services, to:
Donate to its Adversity Appeal,
Support its upcoming fundraising events,
Donate to and visit one of its 27 shops,
Write to their local MP to secure a national settlement that meets the increasing demands of an ageing population.
Visit dorothyhouse.org.uk for more information