Government will not fund hospices to match the NHS pay award, resulting in an estimated shortfall of £1.6million for Devon’s four hospices.

Four hospices in Devon have warned that a lack of government funding could leave them struggling to recruit and retain nursing staff, putting a strain on funding and potentially leaving vital front line services at risk.

The government have indicated that the welcome recent pay award for NHS staff will not be extended to hospices, a decision which if Devon hospices were to match would present a shortfall of £1.6 million collectively.

North Devon Hospice, St Luke’s Hospice Plymouth, Rowcroft Hospice in South Devon and Hospiscare in Exeter are all calling on the government to provide support for hospices to help them match the pay award provided to NHS staff.

Hospice UK, the national body representing hospice’s across the country, estimates that changes resulting from the NHS pay deal mean that its 200 member hospices will have to spend an extra £100million over the next three years – equivalent to 2% of the funding that the Government has put aside to fund the increase for staff working in the NHS.

A spokesperson representing the four Devon hospices, St Luke’s Hospice Plymouth, North Devon Hospice, Rowcroft Hospice and Hospiscare said: “Without doubt, we are in full support of the well-deserved pay award for our NHS colleagues and this should be celebrated, but we echo concerns as to how this will impact us locally.

To continue to recruit and retain nursing staff within hospices, we will have to consider options to increase our salary costs to compete with the NHS without any additional support in funding from the government”.

The Government recently outlined in a Written Ministerial Statement how it intends to address the impact of the pay award on non-NHS providers, including hospices.

The Government will allow non-NHS providers – that are providing NHS services and that employ staff on an Agenda for Change contract – to access part of the £800 million that is being made available to the NHS this year for staff pay. Only those organisations that match Agenda for Change terms and conditions will be able to access the extra funding.

Most hospices use Agenda for Change terms and conditions as a guide to their local pay policies for clinical staff – rather than matching the terms and conditions exactly – so it looks likely that the majority of hospices would not be able to access this funding.

Tracey Bleakley, Chief Executive of Hospice UK, said, “This decision by the Government to restrict funding for non-NHS providers is very worrying and will have a very damaging impact on charitable hospices, who are already facing huge financial pressures and operating in a tough fundraising climate. This will put their stretched resources under even greater strain.” Full Hospice UK statement available online.

When you see a company’s logo on St Luke’s promotional materials – whether it’s a Tour de Moor tee-shirt, an Open Gardens brochure or a Neon Midnight Walk poster – what does it mean to you?

It would be easy to think the answer is simple. A business would only sponsor us and lend its logo if it boosted its own profits, right? Well, not exactly! While the bottom line has to be a crucial consideration in any business decision, from talking to the companies who get behind our charity through corporate sponsorship we know there’s more to their motives than you might think.

As well as citing increased profile and an upsurge in customers as a result of their involvement, what drives them is the pride they feel in being associated with such an outstanding local organisation; the urge to give something back to the charity that has cared for many people close to their staff and clients, and the swell of team spirit that working with us helps spread throughout their workforce.

Portcullis Legals sponsor our Open Gardens scheme, which raises vital funds. The company’s Chief Executive Trevor Worth said: “We’re a Plymouth firm with many local clients and as a charity here St Luke’s is iconic. It’s in our DNA because it touches many of our lives and those of our partners, so it’s important that in the round we provide this support.”

Many of the companies who get involved choose to give long-term support to St Luke’s by sponsoring the same event over consecutive years, recognising the momentum this helps build. One such company, Nash & Co Solicitors, has sponsored our Neon Midnight Walk for three years.

The company is quite literally ‘walking the talk’, too, with a big group of Nash & Co ladies joining together for the event on 21 July. Marketing Manager Dave Briggs said: “It’s something that helps bring our staff together and is a bit more fun rather than them doing it individually, and it helps drive up their enthusiasm and engagement in raising money for St Luke’s.”

Another long-term sponsor is IU Energy, who back our annual Men’s Day Out. Chief Executive Duncan Banks said: “Sponsoring St Luke’s ticks a lot of boxes for us. The charity services the community, and it’s a great team-building exercise for us as so many of our staff love taking part in the event. We raised over £86,000 for last year, and we’ve signed up for the next three years. Ultimately, it’s got to be one of the most fundamental corporate social responsibility activities we undertake as a business.”

So there you have it. When businesses work with St Luke’s, it’s definitely a case of both head and heart. Learn more how your business can benefit from a partnership with St Luke’s.

When it comes to fundraising to support the care we give, inspirational Kenza Baber is proof that you’re never too young!

On a visit to our specialist unit at Turnchapel, Kenza – who recently celebrated her 11th birthday – presented us with a cheque for a fantastic £938. This was the result of Kenza selflessly forgoing birthday presents this year and asking family and friends to help her raise money for St Luke’s instead.

On the visit, Kenza was joined by her mum, Heidi, and grandma Debbie, who receives care at home from our team. They were warmly welcomed by Janet Hearl, a Social Care Support Worker at St Luke’s, and also met some of our dedicated nurses as well as having a tour of the building.

“I wanted to raise the money because I know it’s important to care for other people,” said Kenza, who attends Lifton Community Primary School, where she recently received a Headteacher’s certificate recognising her caring spirit.

Well done, Kenza! Your kindness is a real inspiration and we’re so grateful for the support from you and everyone who helped you raise the money.

When it comes to kindness, compassion and sensitivity, Janet Hearl has more than enough for one charity. Part of the St Luke’s team for nine years, working as a Social Care Assistant and providing bereavement support, she has also been giving her time and using her skills with Jeremiah’s Journey, a local charity for grieving children, young people and families.

So, it was wonderful to see Janet win Health and Wellbeing Volunteer of the Year – sponsored by Livewell Southwest – at the recent Inspiring Lives Plymouth Awards, recognising those who consistently put the needs of others before their own.

Nominated by Jeremiah’s Journey for the difference she has made by coming alongside youngsters as they face the loss of a parent, Janet was very touched to receive the nomination – and completely bowled over to win! There to see it was proud husband Phil, who accompanied her to the awards ceremony at the Theatre Royal.

Janet said: “It was a shock! A lovely one though, and the award means a lot to me. The trophy is in pride of place at home, next to flowers sent to me by my son and daughter when they heard.”

She provides vital support as part of Stepping Stones run by Jeremiah’s Journey. This ten-week programme is for both children and parents, supporting them through their very difficult time, encouraging open conversations and making special memories, all of which can help the children process what’s happening and come to terms with their loss over time.

Janet said: “Understandably, young people facing bereavement can feel frightened and sometimes they blame themselves for what’s happening. Stepping Stones provides a supportive environment, and activities – such as felt-making with students from Plymouth College of Art – help them and their parents talk through issues and challenges. Importantly, Stepping Stones gives them space, as well as the opportunity to make memories together and with others taking part.

“It’s really rewarding to be part of something that makes a difference, and wonderful when they tell us they feel lighter and have made connections that can help sustain them as they move forward.”

Congratulations, Janet – you’re an inspiration!