Queenscourt Hospice Mulls Service Cuts Amid Urgent Funding Crisis
Queenscourt Hospice has warned it faces an immediate funding shortfall. Leaders say the gap is so large that service cuts are now being considered. The hospice is appealing for public support to avoid reductions.
Financial strain and shortfall
The hospice receives roughly a quarter of its core costs from the NHS. Trustees say this is well below the national average target of 35–40 percent.
Last year the charity reported an almost £2 million deficit. Legacy donations fell sharply, plunging from £1.1 million in 2023/24 to £196,000 the following year.
Rising staff pay, National Insurance and energy bills have increased pressure. Operating costs averaged nearly £15,000 per day last year. The organisation employs more than 100 professional staff.
Campaign to keep services running
Hospice managers have launched the Keep Queenscourt in Service campaign. They are asking for urgent donations online and by phone.
Donations can be made at queenscourt.org.uk/KeepQueenscourtInService. Supporters may also call the Fundraising Team on 01704 517420.
Executive medical leaders say they are working with hospice networks and NHS Integrated Care Boards. They want a fairer, more sustainable funding settlement. But they also warn time is limited.
What the hospice provides
Queenscourt opened 35 years ago. Its name came from a donated house on Queens Road, whose executors required the name be retained.
The hospice offers more than end-of-life care. Core services include an In-Patient Unit, Queenscourt Connect and Queenscourt at Home.
- Average inpatient stay in 2024–25 was 10 days.
- Staff visited more than 650 hospital patients last year.
- They also visited about 1,300 community patients.
- Bereavement support reached roughly 700 people.
- Clinical placements were provided to 47 medical students.
- Check-in training was delivered to 120 carers.
Local context and recent community news
Volunteers from Ainsdale In Bloom received the King’s Award for Voluntary Service. The accolade was presented by Merseyside Lord Lieutenant Peter Oliver OBE at FPC Financial in Ainsdale Village.
The group is led by Brenda Porter. Ainsdale In Bloom comprises 12 volunteers and has worked for ten years to improve the local area.
Arts funding boost for Southport
Sefton Council secured £475,000 from Arts Council England. The Place Partnership award will support Southport’s Elegantly Eccentric programme.
The initiative builds on Lightport and will include Cristal Palace, Big Top and Books Alive. Funding aims to sustain cultural activity through 2027.
Serious assault in Southport town centre
A man in his 50s was punched and stabbed in the hand on Friday evening. The incident occurred on Lord Street, near Waverley Street, at around 7.30pm.
A 49-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of wounding. Police appealed for witnesses to contact them with reference 26000224348.
Information can be reported via Merseyside Police social media @MerPolCC on X and Facebook. Alternatively call 101 or contact Crimestoppers anonymously.
Filmogaz.com reported on these developments after speaking with hospice officials and local partners. The community now faces a critical choice about supporting a key local provider.
