'We might have to reduce vital services' - hospice serving West Lancashire makes stark announcement
A hospice that cares for people from across West Lancashire has made a stark announcement about it’s financial position.
Queenscourt Hospice, which provides end of life support and care for the people of Tarleton, Hesketh Bank, Rufford and surrounding areas, says it is “facing the most severe financial challenge in our history”.
Bosses have now launched a Keep Queenscourt in Service campaign, as it reports a £2m annual deficit - with warnings they might have to cut vital services.
What has been said?
A statement issued on their website says: “For 35 years, Queenscourt has stood beside our community, delivering exceptional, compassionate care for local people when they need us most. However, as we reach this significant milestone in 2026, we are facing the most severe financial challenge in our history.
“Demand for our Specialist Palliative Care services has never been greater. Yet at the very moment need is rising, our everyday costs are escalating sharply, and our charitable income is falling. We are not alone. This is part of a national funding crisis gripping hospices across the UK. The situation is stark: two in every five hospices are preparing to make cuts this year. As Toby Porter, CEO of Hospice UK, warned: “Hospices are on the brink… costs continue to snowball and demand keeps rising. Hospices can’t keep up and many are making or considering cuts.”
“Queenscourt is now confronting the same reality. We have been operating with an annual deficit of £2 million for the past two years, and the same shortfall is predicted for 2026/27. This widening gap has been created by a “perfect storm” of pressures:
- Legacy income has fallen dramatically — from over £1.2 million a year to around £250,000.
- Employer National Insurance contributions have risen.
- Staff salary uplifts are essential to keep pace with NHS pay.
- Fundraising is more challenging than ever.
- Retail income is declining along with wider high‑street footfall.”
The hospice currently receives less than 24 per cent funding from the NHS and the rest they have to raise themselves - over £5million of fundraising every year to keep vital services open for the people of Southport, Formby, and West Lancashire.
Bosses say they are working tirelessly with hospice collaboratives and NHS Integrated Care Boards to secure fairer, more sustainable funding, but theprocess takes time, “and time is something that our financial position does not afford us.”
They added: “Right now, our situation is unsustainable, and we are being forced to consider the possibility of reducing vital services. This is a step we never imagined we might have to contemplate.”
How you can help
Queenscourt needs help now to keep providing services. You can:
- Donate to the Keep Queenscourt In Service Appeal: Donate
- Become a Regular Giver by setting up a monthly donation to Queenscourt: Monthly Donation
- Leave a Gift in your Will to Queenscourt: Gift in Will
- Take on a challenge for Queenscourt and sign up to an event: Events
- Volunteer your time – email: [email protected]
- Gifts-in-Kind, non-monetary donations of goods and services – email: [email protected]
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