A crisis-hit Durham hospice has been forced to cut 18 staff members in a "devastating" blow to the service amid spiralling costs.
St Cuthbert’s Hospice, which has been providing care for those with life-limiting illnesses since 1988, has made 18% of the total workforce redundant following a consultation period.
The cuts, which include 11 clinical staff, two from enabling services and five from income generation, means about 100 fewer people will be able to access bereavement support.
There will also be about 150 people unable to access day services as a result.
The Northern Echo reported last year that dozens of jobs and vital services were at risk of being cut at the hospice as it tries to manage an increasing gap in finances.
St Cuthbert’s must raise £3.8 million every year, with only 42% coming from commissioning, and said it was looking to recoup a £1.3 million deficit at the time.
Chief executive Paul Marriott said it had been a “painful” experience that has had a “horrible impact on services and staff” at the site.
Mr Marriott said: “We are saddened to lose such highly skilled, passionate and professional individuals, many of whom have dedicated several years to the Hospice to support people in our community who need us.
“They have continued to demonstrate our values throughout this difficult time. The outcome of this change is that we will be closing our adult bereavement service and halving our Living Well Centre.
“The impact is that about 100 fewer people will be able to access bereavement support. About 150 people will be unable to access day services.”
He added that the decisions were made so that the hospice, which cared for more than 1,000 people last year, could be sustainable for the future.
He said: “We will continue to challenge the NHS to fund palliative and end-of-life fairly, which will allow us to meet the demand we experience now and which we know will increase in the future.”
The Northern Echo visited St Cuthbert’s last year where the cuts were branded a “travesty" by staff and care users, who said they “just can’t believe” services could be cut due to the crisis.
The hospice initially said 28 staff were facing redundancy, but has since managed to save five staff from losing their job.
The Government announced a £100m funding boost for hospices just before Christmas - and while details remaining this still remain sparse, it said the money could be used to overhaul IT systems and improve facilities.
St Cuthbert's did not comment at the time - and although Butterwick Hospice chief executive Edward Gorringe said pressures remain, he "warmly welcomed" the news.
Laura Barker, head of income generation, said: “We are hugely grateful for the incredible support we have received from our community since sharing the news of the financial challenges facing the Hospice.
“The generosity and solidarity shown by so many has been heartwarming.
“We have been fortunate to receive generous one-off donations and an incredible response from groups and businesses in our community organising fundraising activities and donating to our charity shops.
“Many have joined our lottery or have set up or increased their regular direct debit donations both of which will provide much needed sustainable funding for the Hospice.
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“We have also had members of our community pledge to leaving a gift to the Hospice in their Will which will help to secure the future delivery of our services.
“We would like to thank our community for once again coming together to support the Hospice and would encourage anyone wanting to do so to contact the Hospice for more information about the difference their support could make.”
If you are able to donate to the Hospice please visit www.stcuthbertshospice.com, call 0191 386 1170 or email hello@stcuthbertshospice.com.
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