Queenscourt Hospice Relaunches Emergency Fundraising Campaign
Queenscourt Hospice has urgently relaunched its Keep Queenscourt in Service fundraising campaign to secure emergency funds for the charity. This move comes as the hospice reveals it is being forced to consider reducing the vital services it provides for patients, during the most financially challenging period in its 35-year history.
Financial Pressures Mount for Palliative Care Provider
Queenscourt, which delivers exceptional, compassionate care for patients and their families across West Lancashire, Formby, and Southport, has been severely impacted by a combination of financial challenges. The hospice now states that its financial position has become untenable.
Last year, a mere 24 per cent of Queenscourt’s funding originated from the NHS. The hospice has relied heavily on short-term grants, fundraising efforts, and personal donations to cover the remaining costs of its essential services.
A Perfect Storm of Rising Costs and Falling Income
However, escalating expenses for salaries, the impact of new tax initiatives like employee National Insurance, soaring energy bills, and government funding that has failed to keep pace with these rising costs have pushed Queenscourt into operating with a staggering £2 million deficit.
Louise Charnock, executive director of nursing services, explained: "Queenscourt has been delivering exceptional compassionate care for 35 years, and as we approach this significant milestone in 2026, we are confronting the toughest financial challenge we have ever encountered. Demand for our Specialist Palliative Care services has never been higher.
"Yet, at the very moment when need is increasing, our everyday costs are rising sharply, and our charitable income is declining. Queenscourt has been operating with an annual deficit of £2 million for the past two years, and the same shortfall is projected for 2026/27."
Key Factors Driving the Financial Crisis
This widening financial gap facing Queenscourt has been created by a 'perfect storm' of pressures:
- Legacy income has plummeted dramatically — from over £1.2 million annually to approximately £250,000.
- Employer National Insurance contributions have increased.
- Staff salary uplifts are essential to remain competitive with NHS pay scales.
- Fundraising activities have become more challenging than ever before.
- Retail income is declining, mirroring wider reductions in high‑street footfall.
National Hospice Funding Crisis
Queenscourt Hospice is not isolated in its struggles. The financial challenges are part of a broader national funding crisis affecting hospices across the United Kingdom. The situation is stark: two out of every five hospices are preparing to implement cuts this year. Additionally, Hospice UK reports that a total of 380 hospice beds out of 2000 are currently empty in the UK.
Dr Clare Finnegan, executive medical director, stated: "Queenscourt is working tirelessly with our hospice collaboratives and NHS Integrated Care Boards to secure fairer, more sustainable funding — the kind that would finally bring us closer to the national average of between 35–40% contribution towards hospice costs. This process takes time, and time is something that our precarious financial position does not afford us.
"Currently, our situation is unsustainable, and we are being compelled to consider the possibility of reducing essential services. This is a step we never imagined we might have to contemplate."
Community Support Crucial for Survival
In addition to undertaking a thorough review of its services, Queenscourt is making a heartfelt appeal to the local community to explore how they can help support their local hospice.
Sam Hawksley, executive director of strategy and business development, emphasized: "Queenscourt has an established network of fundraisers across the region, who have provided vital financial support to our hospice over the years. This support has ensured we have been able to deliver full palliative care and end-of-life care to patients and families in Southport, West Lancashire, and Formby.
"We urgently need the support of our local community at this critical time, to ensure that everyone retains access to end-of-life care and support, and to safeguard the future of our hospice. We need your support to 'Keep Queenscourt in Service' — your donations, gifts-in-kind, gifts in wills, and your time volunteered for Queenscourt. These contributions all make a massive difference to our charity and will be invaluable in the challenging times ahead."
How to Support Queenscourt Hospice
To support Queenscourt during this immediate funding crisis, individuals can make a donation via the official website or contact the Fundraising Team directly by telephone. Every contribution, no matter the size, plays a crucial role in helping the hospice continue its vital work during this period of unprecedented financial strain.
