St Cuthbert’s Hospice in Durham Announces Redundancies for 18 Staff

Durham: St Cuthbert’s Hospice has been a lifeline for many since 1988, but they’ve just announced some tough news. They’re letting go of 18 staff members, which is about 18% of their workforce. This decision comes after a consultation period, and it’s a real blow to the community.

The cuts include 11 clinical staff, along with others from different departments. This means around 100 people will miss out on bereavement support, and about 150 won’t have access to day services anymore. It’s a big deal for those who rely on these services.

Last year, reports indicated that the hospice was facing financial challenges, and it seems those issues have led to these drastic measures. They need to raise £3.8 million each year, but only 42% of that comes from commissioning. They were already dealing with a £1.3 million deficit.

Paul Marriott, the chief executive, described this as a “painful” experience. He expressed sadness over losing such dedicated staff who have been a part of the hospice for years. The changes mean they’ll have to close their adult bereavement service and cut back on their Living Well Centre.

Marriott emphasized that these decisions were made to ensure the hospice can continue to operate in the future. They’ve cared for over 1,000 people last year, and he’s determined to keep pushing for fair funding from the NHS.

Staff and care users have voiced their concerns, calling the cuts a “travesty.” Initially, 28 staff were at risk, but they managed to save five from redundancy. Laura Barker, who heads income generation, thanked the community for their support during this tough time.

She mentioned the heartwarming generosity from local groups and businesses, which has helped raise funds. Many have even pledged to leave gifts in their wills to support the hospice’s future.

If you want to help out, you can donate or get involved by reaching out to the hospice directly. Every bit of support counts!