The High Sheriff of West Sussex highlights the critical challenges facing the county’s hospices
The High Sheriff of West Sussex, Dr Tim Fooks, who is the first medical Sheriff in the history of the county, has been deeply impressed by the outstanding levels of care and compassion our local hospices provide to patients and their families. However, he is also greatly concerned by the unprecedented and exceptional threat that each of them is now facing. In this article, Dr Fooks has asked the CEOs of the hospices in West Sussex and Hove to explain the situation across the county. Their message is, they are at the limit.
Hospice care is more than you think, but funding gaps put it at risk
By Lois Howell, CEO at St Wilfrid’s Hospice, Giles Tomsett, CEO at St Catherine’s Hospice, and Stuart Palma, CEO at Southern Hospice Group (St Barnabas House, Martlets and Chestnut Tree House).
Hospice care in Sussex is under increasing strain, despite being one of the most valued services in our communities. The High Sheriff of West Sussex, Dr Tim Fooks, is speaking with hospice leaders about the challenges facing care across Sussex, and what must change.
Hospice care is about dignity, choice and comfort. Our teams help people live well for as long as possible – at home, in the community and in our hospices – and families value this care, yet demand is rising and costs have surged. Government funding covers only a small share of true costs and charitable income fills the gap, but it is no longer enough.
Across Sussex, hospices face growing deficits. Some inpatient rooms cannot open, teams are stretched and every budget decision has a human impact. We’re calling for fair, long-term funding that reflects the real cost of the essential services we provide.
Please read the news article with the High Sheriff of West Sussex and hospice CEOs, then act today by donating, fundraising or volunteering.
How you can help today:
Donate to protect local care
Fundraise or volunteer
Together, we can protect hospice care for our community.
