Queenscourt Hospice Launches Emergency Appeal as £2 Million Deficit Threatens Services

Queenscourt Hospice has relaunched its Keep Queenscourt in Service fundraising campaign as it faces what it describes as the most serious financial challenge in its 35 year history.

The hospice, which provides compassionate palliative and end of life care for patients and families across Southport, Formby and West Lancashire, says it is now being forced to consider reducing some of its services due to a growing funding crisis.

Last year, only 24% of Queenscourt’s funding came from the NHS, with the remaining costs covered through fundraising, grants, donations and community support. However, rising costs have created a situation the hospice says is now financially unsustainable.

Queenscourt has been operating with an annual deficit of around £2 million for the past two years, and the same shortfall is predicted again for the coming year.

Hospice leaders say the crisis has been caused by a number of pressures including:

• A sharp fall in legacy income, dropping from over £1.2 million a year to around £250,000

• Rising employer National Insurance contributions

• Necessary staff salary increases to match NHS pay

• Higher energy bills and running costs

• A drop in retail and fundraising income

Louise Charnock, Executive Director of Nursing Services, said demand for specialist palliative care has never been higher, yet the hospice is facing rapidly rising costs and falling charitable income.

She said that as Queenscourt marks 35 years of caring for the community in 2026, it is now facing the toughest period in its history.

Dr Clare Finnegan, Executive Medical Director, said the hospice is working with NHS organisations to secure fairer long term funding, but warned that this process takes time and the hospice’s financial situation is already under significant pressure.

Queenscourt is not alone. Across the UK, hospices are facing a growing funding crisis, with two in five hospices expected to make cuts this year and around 380 hospice beds currently lying empty nationwide.

Since opening in 1991, Queenscourt Hospice has provided care and support to around 70,000 patients and their families. The hospice runs an inpatient unit, community and home based care services, as well as education and training through its Terrance Burgess Education Centre.

As part of the emergency appeal, Queenscourt is asking the community for support through donations, volunteering, gifts in wills and fundraising.

Sam Hawksley, Executive Director of Strategy and Business Development, said the hospice relies heavily on the generosity of the local community and is now calling on people to help “Keep Queenscourt in Service” so it can continue providing vital care for local families.

Anyone wishing to support the appeal can donate online at

queenscourt.org.uk/KeepQueenscourtInService

or contact the fundraising team on 01704 517420.