Les Bourgs Hospice says “the community’s support has never been more important” as a UK report reveals hospices in England are facing significant financial challenges.
The UK’s National Audit Office found that two thirds of independent adult hospices in England have spent more than they raised in 2023 and 2024.
But many in England operate with both charitable donations and NHS funding, while Les Bourgs in Guernsey is entirely funded by the community without regular support from the States.
Chief Executive Rob Jones said the Hospice’s community-funded model remains at the heart of its mission, but said continued support is needed to “maintain and develop the care that islanders rely on.
“We are immensely grateful to our community, whose continued generosity enables Les Bourgs Hospice to provide specialist, free palliative care to anyone who needs it. This support has sustained us for almost 35 years and will be key to securing our future.
“We fully understand the pressures highlighted in today’s report and recognise the vital contribution that hospices make to healthcare systems across the British Isles.”
Les Bourgs is facing pressure from rising costs, increased demand from an ageing population with more complex health needs and a reduction in legacy income.
It noted that there has been a long-term increase in the number of deaths since 2005 and 9% of deaths last year happened at the hospice, compared to an average of 5% in the UK.