Despair over hospice 'underfunding' amid Anglesey bed closures blow
St David's Hospice has made public its intention to shut down its beds on Anglesey and is considering reducing its workforce. The charity had broadened its reach in 2021 by inaugurating a satellite facility at Ysbyty Penrhos Stanley in Holyhead on March 1.
A grant of £450,000 from the National Lottery Community Fund was secured to underwrite staffing costs at the new unit for three years. However, it has now been disclosed that the beds will be decommissioned this October for a minimum of twelve months, pending a future review.
Consequently, some employees face uncertainty as a consultation process regarding their positions has commenced. St David's Hospice, which operates a 12-bed site in Llandudno and provides day therapy in Bangor, has not specified the number of staff members who might be impacted.
The local Plaid Cymru MP and MS have described the announcement as "devastating news" for both families and staff, calling on the Welsh Government to intervene and support the hospice sector within Wales.
One reader, Toxteth O'Grady fears: "I fear the Llandudno Hospice is next unless they find someone who can turn things around. Doesn't help that the Senedd continually underfunds it compared to South Wales hospices."
While Old bat believes: "They are not interested in our corner of this beautiful country. Just Cardiff, that's all that matters to them and I can't see it changing anytime soon!" Bertrand?? adds: "This is a disgrace."
Steamnut writes: "More NHS beds will have to be used which will exacerbate the bed-blocking situation."
Starman1956 says: "Terrible news for Holyhead and Anglesey. Surely something can be done, to stop the closure of the ward."
MickHookem states: "If you're that upset, try spending some money in one of their shops as that's how they raise money to keep operating."
HWSmall comments: "Typically, Hospices are funded by donations (esp. included in wills). So the real question is 'do the people of Anglesey want to support the Hospice'?"
Alwyn67 replies: "That's not correct. Hospices receive their funding from WG as a block grant and decide themselves how to allocate it across Wales. I think we can all agree that funding should increase, but it's certainly not unfairly allocated."
Toxteth O'Grady as does: "Not sure where you get your information from, but you're wrong. The proportion of statutory funding varies significantly between hospices across Wales. In North Wales, the range is 15 per cent to 19 per cent. South Wales and Powys: In South Wales and Powys, the range is 10 per cent to 71 per cent."
While over on our Facebook page - Nic Ap Clayton writes: "Get rid of the extra Senedd members and fund our hospice."
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