Could Hospice Care Be at Risk? Cornwall Charity Joins National Campaign to Secure Future

Cornwall Hospice Care has joined a national effort to highlight the growing demand for hospice services and the urgent need for sustainable funding. With the number of annual deaths in the UK expected to rise by 130,000 by 2040, the Cornish charity has teamed up with more than 140 hospices across England, Scotland, and Wales for the ‘This is Hospice Care’ campaign.

The campaign, which includes a national television advert, focuses on the vital role of gifts in Wills in keeping hospice services running.

“If We Don’t Plan Now, the Gap Could Become Very Real”

Paul Brinsley, Chief Executive of Cornwall Hospice Care, warns that the future of hospice care depends on action today.

“We’re joining a national conversation about the growing need and therefore costs, for hospice care. ‘This is Hospice Care’ brings together over 140 hospices in England, Scotland and Wales to highlight the crucial importance of supporting hospices to meet future demands. If we don’t start planning now, the gap in hospice care and its funding could become very real and have a damaging effect very quickly.”

Cornwall Hospice Care runs Mount Edgcumbe Hospice in St Austell and St Julia’s Hospice in Hayle, both of which rely almost entirely on funding from the Cornish community. The growing demand is set to place unprecedented pressure on the charity.

The Impact of Hospice Care – A Personal Story

Luke Tripconey’s mum Lisa was cared for at St Julia’s Hospice in Hayle two years ago. He says the experience was exactly what she wanted in her final days:

“The hospice was far less chaotic than hospital. The staff were great and we had time. We had a film day with Mum in her expanding ‘cuddle bed’ and the dog could come in too. It meant a lot to Mum to have the people she wanted around her and to spend time with us all.”

Luke has made a short film about the care his mum and family received.

Gifts in Wills – The Key to Keeping Hospice Care Going

Cornwall Hospice Care’s financial future relies heavily on legacies, with gifts in Wills providing £2.7 million in the last financial year (2023/24) – around 40% of the £6.9 million required annually to keep services running.

Paul Brinsley explains the impact:

“Gifts in Wills already play a pivotal role in the funding of Cornwall Hospice Care. In the last financial year (2023/24) alone they provided £2.7 million, that’s 40% of the money needed to fund our annual care costs of £6.9 million. Currently two in five of our patients are cared for thanks to legacies, they form a vital bedrock of funding that ensures our today and hopefully, our tomorrow. Our message is more important than ever; when you’ve remembered those close to you, please consider leaving our charity a gift in your Will so we can continue the vision of our founder who built Cornwall’s first hospice 45 years ago.”

To learn more about Cornwall Hospice Care, visit www.cornwallhospicecare.co.uk, or find out how to leave a gift in your Will here.

Teresa Blenard – Solicitor

Sarah – Student Nurse

Topaz Fuller – Nurse

Paul Brinsley – CEO

Clare Cheney – Catering Supervisor

Thank you compilation