Could you help your local hospice?
At a time when hospices nationwide are struggling with financial challenges including rising costs, low and stagnating government funding, a drop in charitable donations, and an escalating demand for end-of-life care, Rowcroft Hospice is asking its local community for help. In its latest move to increase income, the charity has launched a ‘Sponsor a nurse’ regular giving scheme that aims to help secure the future of hospice care in South Devon by garnering long-term support through regular monthly donations. In addition, and in support of Hospice UK’s campaign for fairer government funding, the charity is urging the people of South Devon to email their MPs to ensure that hospices receive the attention and support they need to ensure the continuation of vital services.
What are the financial pressures?
Hospice UK has recently reported a national £77m funding shortfall across the sector, with around 20% of hospices needing to cut services. While Rowcroft has no plans at present to reduce beds or services, the financial pressures facing the charity are significant. Of the £10 million secured annually to deliver Rowcroft’s care, only 24% of this comes from the NHS. The hospice is doing all it can to generate income, and it relies heavily on the generosity of the local community. The community’s support – through donations, events, gifts in Wills, Rowcroft’s shops and cafés and Rowcroft’s Lottery – provides around three-quarters of the hospice’s funding.
“Our loyal community has always been there for us, and we’re incredibly grateful for their unwavering support,” said Rowcroft’s Director of Patient Care Vicky Bartlett. “But now, as we face these financial challenges, we need their help again. As a charity, we’re asking our local community to support our nurses and show solidarity by sponsoring a nurse through a regular monthly donation. Your contribution will directly enable our skilled nurses and clinical teams to provide vital end-of-life care, ensuring that your loved ones and neighbours receive the support they deserve at a time when they need it.”
Making an impact
The impact of Rowcroft’s care is deeply felt by local families like that of Paul Holmes, former Torquay United football star, who received specialist care at home from Rowcroft’s Community Team before transitioning to Rowcroft’s Inpatient Unit where he passed away weeks later. Kate Holmes, Paul’s widow, shared:
“Rowcroft’s nurses and care teams were amazing. The care was tailored to all of our needs. They had time to reassure, to alleviate fears, to explain, and they created a bond with us straight away. Their care enabled us a family to continue to make memories with Paul, to feel safe, feel secure, feel loved, and feel cared for. We will be forever grateful.”
Lesley Edwards is a member of the Rowcroft team who cared for Paul in the hospice’s Inpatient Unit.
“I became a palliative care nurse to make a difference,” said Lesley. “End-of-life care deserves as much compassion and value as the beginning of life. It’s more than a job; it’s a commitment to making a positive impact to the patients and families we care for.”
How you can make a difference
Through a diverse multi-disciplinary team, Rowcroft offers comfort and support to thousands of patients and their loved ones each year across South Devon.
“You can make such a difference to local families by sponsoring a nurse,” added Vicky Bartlett. “Your monthly gift will help fund crucial services such as home visits from Community Nurse Specialists, day-to-day care in our Inpatient Unit in Torquay, and overnight support for patients in their homes across South Devon, ensuring comfort, pain relief, and emotional support when it matters most.”
To find out how you can sponsor a nurse, please go to: www.rowcrofthospice.org.uk/nurse or call the hospice on 01803 217642 to speak to a member of the hospice team.