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19
Nov
Harrogate charity warns of service cuts amid £300,000 shortfall
A Harrogate charity has warned it could be forced to make cuts to its services amid growing financial pressures.
Saint Michael’s Hospice, which is based at Crimple House on Hornbeam Park, has appealed to the public for support after it says government budget proposals left it with a £300,000 shortfall.
Chancellor Rachel Reeves announced last month that the National Living Wage and National Insurance contributions on employers will both increase in 2025.
The move means services at Saint Michael’s could be reduced to help offset the funding gap.
Tony Collins, chief executive, said while there were no immediate plans to cut services, the hospice may be forced to significantly reduce expenditure if it does not receive support.
He said:
We are trying our best to make sure there are no immediate plans to close or reduce our services at the moment but without increased NHS funding to both close the growing funding gap and cover next year’s additional National Insurance and National Minimum Wage increases, we will have to significantly reduce our expenditure.
We have already cut costs where we can without affecting services, but such a reduction will include looking at our services, of which we have many providing vital support to thousands of beneficiaries each year. All unfunded and partially funded services would be considered.
The charity has said people can help support the charity through its annual Light up a Life appeal, which will hold services this winter.
Chrystal's story
The appeal is designed to help support the charity’s services, such as the hospice’s care for those nearing end-of-life.
One of those who received such support was Chrystal Shaw, 39, from Knaresborough, who died at the hospice in May.
Chrystal Shaw, pictured with her husband Andy and daughter Jasmine.
Chrystal experienced excruciating pain that simply could not be managed at home. The need for tailored symptom management, teamed with a desire to protect her young family from difficult memories at home, led Chrystal to a decision to be cared for at Saint Michael’s Hospice.
The hospice also supported Andy, Chrystal’s husband, and their two-year-old daughter, Jasmine.
Andy said:
She loved the chair in the room and would sit and look out at the view. It was so far from what I had seen at home where she was just in bed constantly. The team helped her to manage her pain with medication and supported her to get up and out of bed. She was given some wheels so she could go outside into the garden and take the weight off her swollen legs.
I didn’t want Chrystal to die at home and for Jasmine to remember her there. The hospice gave us the chance to be together and for Jasmine to be taken care of so I could just be with Chrystal at the end and not have to worry.
The hospice says that support during the current economic climate is crucial to continue providing services like that which Chrystal received.
Mr Collins added:
The remarkable support from our community makes everything we do possible. As we navigate mounting financial hurdles and increased demand, this support has never been more crucial.
The charity has invited people to dedicate a light in memory of someone special as part of its Light up a Life appeal.
Andy and his daughter will be dedicating a light to Chrystal.
The charity said free Light up a Life services at three locations in the distict will offer people an opportunity to come together in reflection, remembrance, and unity.
Donations can be made to the appeal here.
Three Light Up a Life services will be held across the district for people to remember loved ones:
- St Cuthbert’s Church, Pateley Bridge - November 28, 6.30pm
- Ripon Cathedral - December 8, 3.30pm
- Saint Michael’s Hospice, Crimple House, Harrogate - December 15, 4pm
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