Frontline nurse appeals for donations in final weeks of hospice's emergency appeal

Hospiscare has just weeks left to reach its emergency appeal target in order to save its services from drastic cuts.

After losing vital income due to the pandemic, the hospice charity was forced to launch a £1 million appeal in November 2021. Without this additional income, the hospice will need to close beds on its specialist ward in Exeter and reduce its weekend nursing services in the community.

With just 18% of its funding coming from the NHS, Hospiscare relies upon the fundraising support of the community in order to provide specialist end-of-life care at no cost to its patients and families.

Despite the charity implementing several measures to save money, the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on Hospiscare's ability to fundraise was too severe. With multiple lockdowns forcing the closure of its shops and cancelling many of its fundraising events, Hospiscare was left facing an income deficit of £1 million.

Having remained open throughout the pandemic, Hospiscare is still delivering care to some of the most vulnerable people in the local community, but it costs £22,794 every day just to keep its vital services going.

Hospiscare has reached the final month of its emergency appeal and with just weeks left to go, over £700,000 has been raised thanks to the generosity and support of its local community.

From individual supporters to local businesses, the community has rallied together and raised a significant proportion of the vital funds needed to keep all of the hospice's invaluable services in operation.

With near to £300,000 left to raise, Julie Wakley, Hospiscare's Ward Manager, makes this final plea to local people: "I've been a Hospiscare nurse for 19 years and throughout the pandemic, I have worked on the frontline managing the hospice's specialist ward.

"The impact of closing four beds on our ward would dramatically affect the people of Exeter, Mid and East Devon. We currently admit patients seven days-a-week, 24 hours-a-day to support them and their families at a crucial time as they near the end of life. We support patients with difficult symptoms and prepare them and their families for what is a sad and devastating time for all.

"If we are unable to do this due to reduced beds on our ward and the loss of our weekend nursing service, this will impact our patients' ability to get the specialist palliative care we offer and put more pressure on our already burdened local NHS services.

"Please help us to remain by the side of our patients and their families when they need us most."

Without this final fundraising push, the hospice will be forced to cut its beds and services, resulting in turning away over 140 patients per year and losing weekend support for nearly 2,000 patients.

Hospiscare was built by the local community, for the local community and, in its 40th anniversary year, the hospice needs the support of the community more than ever before.

To donate to Hospiscare's emergency appeal and help the charity raise the final £300,000 to reach its target, visit www.hospiscare.co.uk/sos or call 01392 688020.