Two hospice charities in Buckinghamshire have announced plans to merge as they face increasing costs and growing need for their services.
South Bucks Hospice (SBH) is set to merge with Florence Nightingale Hospice Charity (FNHC) in September, the organisations announced yesterday.
SBH and FNHC have around 48 and 91 employees, respectively, with a spokesperson for the latter telling Civil Society that there are no plans to make any staff redundant.
Increasing demand and costs
FNHC stated in a press release: “The need for hospice care is increasing rapidly because of the aging and growing population. This increased need, and the economic climate, mean costs are increasing significantly.”
The merger will enable the hospice charities to operate “more efficiently and combine their strengths to further develop” the services they offer to people in Buckinghamshire, it stated.
FNHC generated £4.59m in total income while its expenditure came in at £4.11m for the financial year ending March 2024.
It is committed to raising £1.7m this financial year from its shops and fundraising to fund its services.
Noel Ratcliffe, chair of FNHC, said: “We’re confident that news of our merger discussions with South Bucks Hospice will be reassuring to those in need of hospice care, as well as to the families, friends, and professionals who support them.
“This collaboration reflects our shared commitment to providing the highest quality care to everyone across Buckinghamshire and its borders. Together, our teams will work to ensure the best possible outcomes for patients and those who stand beside them.”
Meanwhile, SBH recorded a total income of £1.92m, while its expenditure was £2.15m for the financial year ending March 2024.
SBH receives less than 4% of its funding from statutory sources, and the majority of funding comes from the community, the press release stated.
David Ellis, chair of SBH, said: “We are pleased South Bucks Hospice is in advanced merger discussions with Florence Nightingale Hospice Charity.
“We believe this is now the best way forward to continue to serve the people of South Bucks, offering enhanced services that are financially sustainable. Patients and their families will remain our priority throughout.
“We offer our most sincere thanks to the loyal supporters of the hospice who have enabled us to provide such life-enhancing care – we look forward to continuing the journey with them.”
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