Mike Wilkerson, Chief Executive, St Richard’s Hospice writes:
Today we provide an update on one of the most challenging periods in St Richard’s forty-year history. In November 2024, we announced proposals to redesign and restructure our clinical services to tackle unprecedented financial pressures caused by rising costs and growing demand for our care.
Following careful consideration and consultation, we will say goodbye to 14 valued colleagues which equates to 9.5 full time roles at the hospice. The majority of those affected have opted for voluntary redundancy. We’ll also be introducing new ways of working so we can maintain the number of patient beds available and our care provision across the county.
It has been an incredibly upsetting time for everyone touched by plans to restructure our workforce and rethink how we deliver our care. But, we must do this work to ensure the long-term future of the hospice. With just 20% of our income coming from the NHS, and recent short-term government funding ringfenced to improve hospice buildings, equipment and accommodation rather than ongoing staff costs, it’s vitally important we can fund our specialist care and support.
We’d like to thank our colleagues and community for their unwavering support during some of the hardest months the hospice sector has ever faced nationally. Together we can continue to make the most of every day for patients and families across Worcestershire.