St Rocco's Hospice in Warrington celebrates 40 years of care and looks to future
A hospice is celebrating 40 years of providing compassionate care and being supported by the Warrington community.
However, as St Rocco's Hospice in Bewsey, Warrington, reaches this milestone, it is now looking ahead with plans to modernise its funding model to secure its future.
Over four decades, the hospice has weathered changes in healthcare, funding, and social needs, but one thing that has remained constant is the central role it plays in the lives of patients and families.
As a charity, St Rocco's has flexibility in how it delivers care — working with a wide range of health and social care partners.
But with rising costs and increased demand, the hospice CEO Sonya Currey says its current funding model needs to evolve in order to continue providing the same level of support.The hospice currrently has running costs of £5.2 million - which equates to £100,000 every week.
"We have got an income model which is founded on the traditional way of being that has never quite kept up with the demands and the successes of hospice care provision," she said.
Community backing has always been at the heart of St Rocco's success. Jess Gillis, who raised nearly £5,000 for St Rocco's after her uncle received care there, completed the Inka Trail in Peru to raise the funds.
"Everyone was like, 'This is insane, have you seen how much you have raised?" " she said.
The money funded a new portable scanner, directly improving patient care in the community.
"It's really special," she added.
St Rocco's charity shops are another key source of funding — but with overheads rising they increasingly rely on the generosity of volunteers to stay open.
Chris Jones, who began volunteering after the hospice cared for her husband, told us: "He died eight years ago and I always said I'd come back and help the hospice because they helped him so much."
Volunteers also play a crucial role inside the hospice itself. James Mercer has supported patients for seven years, starting as part of the Duke of Edinburgh scheme.
"I make tea and coffee for people, have conversations, and around 5 o'clock I help with the main meals," he said.
As St Rocco's reflects on its 40-year journey, it is also focused on what lies ahead.
Ms Currey said: "My hope is that St Rocco's will be here for another 40 years, but that we'll have developed a resilient and sustainable model that continues to meet the needs of our population."
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