Cornish Community Helps Keep Hospice Care Free Despite Funding Challenges

Cornwall Hospice Care, a long-standing healthcare charity in Cornwall, has shed light on the crucial role local support plays in maintaining its services. The charity, which has been providing free end-of-life care for nearly 45 years, highlighted the challenges it faces in comparison to other hospices across the country.

Cornwall Hospice Care’s Services

Despite receiving only 9.5% of its income from government funding via an NHS Integrated Care Board grant—substantially less than the 30% average reported for hospices nationally—the charity continues to deliver critical care across the county.

All 20 beds at Mount Edgcumbe Hospice in St Austell and St Julia’s Hospice in Hayle remain open, alongside bereavement services and Lymphoedema clinics, which saw a 28% rise in appointments in the past year.

Paul Brinsley, Chief Executive of Cornwall Hospice Care, said:
“Providing free end-of-life care to the community of Cornwall is a privilege, but it’s a precarious one. Just 9.5% of our income is supported by government money through a grant from the NHS Integrated Care Board. This is in stark contrast to the 30+% received by hospice charities elsewhere in the country and which is the figure being reported at present.”

A Tribute to the Cornish Community

Paul praised the unwavering support of the Cornish community, which has been integral to the charity since its first hospice opened in 1980:
“I would like to pay tribute to the community of Cornwall who helped us provide the very first hospice in the county back in 1980 and who have stood by us ever since then.”

Local Fundraising Efforts

As economic pressures grow, the charity continues to rely on the generosity of local residents who raise funds through various activities, from coffee mornings to sporting events. Paul emphasised the importance of these efforts:
“Just remember every patient cared for at the end of their life and every grieving person we support is helped thanks to someone in Cornwall doing something special like holding a coffee morning, taking part in a darts competition, cycling or running.”

Cornwall Hospice Care remains committed to making every day matter for patients and families across the county, with the support of the community at its heart.

Photo: Paul Brinsley, Chief Executive of Cornish healthcare charity Cornwall Hospice Care