Ashgate Hospice is facing the most serious and long-standing financial pressures in its history. These pressures are not of our making; they are the result of a funding system that leaves hospices across the country unable to meet rising costs. Like other hospices, we are dependent on local NHS commissioners to pay us fairly for the specialist care they ask us to deliver. Sadly, this has not yet happened, and we are now consulting on deeply difficult proposals to reduce our costs. 

We know how distressing and unsettling this time is for our staff. Many of them have dedicated years to caring for patients, and their commitment is at the heart of everything we do. As trustees who volunteer for the hospice, we want to be clear that we are listening closely to what colleagues are telling us. 

Staff feedback is shaping how the consultation is being managed, even though it cannot remove the need for the process itself. Colleagues’ questions, concerns and suggestions have led to improvements in clarity and communication, adjustments to timelines, and changes to parts of the proposal that help reduce compulsory redundancies and protect core services. As a result, the number of roles at risk has reduced from 52 to 33 roles, of which 9 are inpatient nursing roles, 8 are healthcare assistants, 5 are in our community team, and 3 are in supportive care, in addition to staff at risk in other non-clinical teams. 

We continue to meet with staff so they can raise questions, share ideas and tell us what support they need. Every question is being answered as fully and honestly as possible, and a clear channel for ongoing feedback remains open throughout the consultation. Our priority is to support staff with compassion and respect while ensuring that patients continue to receive safe, high-quality care. 

The financial reality remains extremely serious. Listening does not change the pressures that brought us to this point, and it does not mean we can avoid difficult decisions. But listening does matter. It helps us treat people fairly, respond to concerns, and shape the future in a way that protects as much of our care as possible. 

Our community has shown remarkable kindness and solidarity during this period. The generosity behind the Save a Precious Bed Appeal is one example of the strength of support that exists for Ashgate. We remain committed to doing everything we can – from seeking fair funding to exploring new ways of working – to ensure that Ashgate Hospice continues to care for thousands of local people each year, now and in the future. 

We are incredibly grateful to all our staff for their professionalism, honesty and compassion during an unimaginably difficult time. Their dedication continues to inspire us, and we will keep listening, supporting and being open with them every step of the way.