The hospice has cared for thousands of people since it opened its doors more than 30 years ago
Queenscourt Hospice(Image: Southport Visiter)
A Merseyside hospice which has cared for 70,000 people since it opened is currently in an “untenable” financial position. Queenscourt Hospice has helped care for thousand of people in Southport, Formby and West Lancashire since it opened in 1991.
Officially opened by Princess Diana a year after its launch and based in Kew, Southport, Queenscourt offers care for patients at the end of their lives, with the hospice also supporting families members. It has now said it faces it’s toughest financial challenge in its history.
The hospice said just 24% of Queenscourt’s funding came from the NHS, with the hospice stating it is relying on short-term grants, fundraising and personal donations. Blaming rising costs of salaries, new tax initiatives and an increase in energy bills, and the government’s funding unable to keep up with the rising costs, Queenscourt now says it has an operating deficit of £2m.
Louise Charnock, executive director of Nursing Services said “Queenscourt has been delivering exceptional compassionate care for 35 years, and as we reach this significant milestone in 2026, we face the toughest financial challenge we have ever faced.
Princess Diana officially opens Queenscourt Hospice in Southport on June 11 1992(Image: Queenscourt Hospice)
“Demand for our specialist palliative care services has never been greater. Yet at the very moment need is rising, our everyday costs are escalating sharply, and our charitable income is falling.
“Queenscourt has been operating with an annual deficit of £2 million for the past two years, and the same shortfall is predicted for 2026/27.”
The hospice broke down this “perfect storm” of pressures as the following:
Legacy income has fallen dramatically — from over £1.2 million a year to around £250,000.Employer National Insurance contributions have risen.Staff salary uplifts are essential to keep pace with NHS pay.Fundraising is more challenging than ever.Retail income is declining along with wider high‑street footfall.
In its appeal for help published on its website this month, the hospice noted it is not alone.
Dr Clare Finnegan, executive medical director said “Queenscourt is working tirelessly with our hospice collaboratives and NHS integrated care boards to secure fairer, more sustainable funding – the kind that would finally bring us closer to the national average of between 35-40% contribution towards hospice costs.
“This process takes time, and time is something that our financial position does not afford us.
“Right now, our situation is unsustainable, and we are being forced to consider the possibility of reducing vital services. This is a step we never imagined we might have to contemplate.”
In addition to undertaking the review of its services, Queenscourt is appealing to the local community to explore how they can help support their local hospice.
Sam Hawksley, executive director of strategy and business development, said: “Queenscourt has an established network of fundraisers across the region, who have provided vital financial support to our hospice over the years.
“This support has ensured we have been able to provide full palliative care and end of life care to patients and families in Southport, West Lancashire and Formby.
“We desperately need the support of our local community at this time, to ensure that everyone has access to the end-of-life care and support and to safeguard the future of our hospice.
“We need your support to keep Queencourt in service, your donations, gifts-in-kind, gifts in wills and your time taken to volunteer for Queenscourt. These things all make a massive difference to our charity and will do so in the challenging times ahead.”
To help support Queenscourt during this immediate funding crisis, Queenscourt is asking for donations to be made via queenscourt.org.uk/KeepQueenscourtInService, or by calling our Fundraising Team on 01704 517420 to make a donation over the phone.
