A beloved Leicestershire hospice, LOROS, is fighting for its survival after a challenging £2 million fundraising battle. But is it a losing battle? The hospice, which has been a pillar of support for the community, is now in a more stable financial position, but its leaders believe more needs to be done to secure its future.
The Financial Crisis: Last year, LOROS faced a significant £2 million deficit, forcing them to make tough choices. As a result, day therapy and inpatient bed services were cut, with inpatient beds reduced from 31 to 20 and day therapy slashed by 25%. This meant longer waiting times for those in need of palliative and end-of-life care, a situation that weighs heavily on the dedicated staff.
The Human Impact: Acting CEO Camilla Barrow emphasizes the emotional toll of these cuts. She says, "You can't wait for a palliative and end-of-life care bed. Time is the one thing our patients don't have." The waiting list for day hospice has grown, and while this means more people are accessing care, it also highlights the need for better resources. The staff's dedication is evident as they tirelessly prioritize patients, even amidst the threat of redundancy.
The Community's Love: The community's response has been heartwarming. After learning of the hospice's plight, they rallied to support LOROS, which has been a well-loved institution in Leicestershire for 40 years. People have organized various fundraising events, from festivals to treks, demonstrating their commitment to keeping the hospice open. The love and support from the community have been a silver lining in this challenging period.
The Future: LOROS is working with the Integrated Care Board (ICB) for statutory funding and has received additional funding for four extra beds over the winter. However, these beds will close in April. The hospice is also advocating for a change in government funding, as they believe there is a lack of equity in how hospices are funded across England. LOROS currently receives only 27% of its care funded by the government, while other hospices receive up to 80%.
A Call for Change: Camilla passionately states, "We're eroding under the population's nose." She believes many people are unaware of the funding disparities and the fact that hospices are not primarily funded by the NHS. LOROS is determined to protect its services, ensuring they are here for the next generation. The hospice's arms are open, and they are ready to provide solutions, but they need appropriate funding to continue their vital work.
Controversy: Is the government doing enough to support hospices? Should there be a dedicated fund for hospice care? These questions spark debate. While LOROS fights for its survival, it also advocates for a fairer funding system. As the community rallies behind them, the future of this beloved hospice hangs in the balance, leaving many to wonder what more can be done to secure its long-term sustainability.
