Thousands of people from across Scotland have backed a crisis call from Hospices for more funding.
News of a £25million black hole has sparked a huge public reaction, with almost 5,000 people writing to their local MSPs asking for more support.
It comes ahead of tomorrow’s Scottish budget, with hospice bosses warning they may be forced to close services or turn people away unless the situation improves.
Ayrshire Hospice CEO, Tracy Flynn, was among a number of high profile figures making the unprecedented move to ask for public backing.
Scottish hospice chiefs say that rising costs – including that of matching NHS pay awards and the increase in employers’ National Insurance – has left the sector in huge financial trouble.
My Flynn said: “The time for action is now. The Scottish Hospice Leadership campaign is creating very welcome awareness of the looming financial black hole we all face as independent hospices.
“The Scottish public is answering our call by adding their voice in asking the Scottish Government for extra financial support for our vital care and services.
“I would urge anyone who has not written to their local MSP to do so. Every voice across our Ayrshire and Arran community matters in protecting the future of exceptional hospice care here and throughout Scotland.”
The public support for hospices was also backed by 33 cross-party MSPs who added their signatures to an open letter from MSP Miles Briggs.
It called on the Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care to urgently support critical funding for hospices.
Jacki Smart, Chair of the Scottish Hospice Leadership Group and Chief Executive of Accord Hospice in Paisley, said: “We have received tremendous support from every part of the country.
“Thank you to everyone who has made their voice heard. People know the value of hospice care and they are determined to do what they can to help us. We are only asking that the Scottish Government equally values the contribution which hospices make to our society.
“We simply cannot continue to provide our compassionate care, free of charge to all those who need it without state support. Our statutory funding has remained static, or in some cases, reduced, meaning we have to rely on the kindness and generosity of the public to fund the majority of our services.
“This is not sustainable. We call on the Scottish Government to urgently address our funding gap this year, support pay parity with the NHS and to also move towards a fair and sustainable funding model for all hospices across Scotland. It is only with this commitment from the Scottish Government that our hospices will survive.
“We have not made this call lightly. We recognise the fear and uncertainty over the future of hospice care in Scotland is causing for our patients, families, and the public. However, if urgent action is not taken, then hospices will be in the impossible position of having to reduce much-needed services for people at the end of their lives.”
The number of people needing palliative care in Scotland is predicted to increase by over 17 per cent in the next 25 years.
People can help support their local hospice by writing to their MSPs by visiting: https://action.hospiceuk.org/stand-up-for-scottish-hospices