Hospice coffers to get welcome boost
Shareof£19mCovid-19fundingfromgovernment
ANDREA LAMBROU
Kilbryde Hospice is to get a share of £19 million in additional government funding being made available in light of the coronavirus pandemic.
The News can reveal that the money will be distributed to Scotland’s hospices from the UK fund and is expected to reach East Kilbride’s hospice by the end of this month.
Scottish Hospices have been in direct discussion with the Scottish Government over how the funds will be allocated between the hospices.
Monica Lennon, MSP for Central Scotland, raised the issue in parliament last month after it was announced in April that £19m would be available.
She told her Holyrood colleagues that Kilbryde Hospice “is in immediate financial danger” and insisted it was “vital” that the funds reach hospices without any further delay.
The News launched its ‘Save the Hospice’ campaign after Kilbryde revealed losses of £300,000 since the start of lockdown.
Around £2.9m is needed annually to keep the hospice afloat.
With the future of the £4m palliative care centre in doubt, the lifeline charity started an emergency
COVID-19 Appeal asking the good people of East Kilbride for their continued generosity and support to help them survive the pandemic.
And the response from the community has been overwhelming, with £12,000 in donations received.
Welcoming the news this week, Kilbryde Hospice chief executive, Gordon McHugh, said: “Kilbryde Hospice con tinues to be on the front line of help ing to give care and support to some of the most vulnerable people and their families affected by terminal illness across our communities during these difficult times.
“We depend on the generosity of our communities and over the last few weeks this has been nothing short of amazing.
“We are still unsure of the level of funding the hospice will directly receive from the Scottish Government.
“However, the support is very welcome.
“It is still important nonetheless that people continue to support Kilbryde as their local hospice.” Ms Lennon was also full of praise for our fund raising drive . She said: “I pay trib ute to the East Kil bride News for springing into action and launching the ‘Save our Hospice’ fundraiser drive. “Kilbryde Hospice deserves financial certainty and it is regrettable that the Scottish Government has been slow to pass on vital funds. It looks hopeful that government funds will reach the hospice by the end of June.”
Heaping praise on our readers an the community, Ms Lennon added: “The people of East Kilbride have always generously supported Kilbryde Hospice.
“But with the charity losing £90,000 of fundraising income each month, it is vital that the government works closely with Gordon McHugh and his team to ensure that specialist palliative care is protected during this pandemic.”
A Scottish Government spokeswoman said: “Kilbryde Hospice provides invaluable services and we recognise the difficulties that they, and other third sector organisations, are facing at this time.
“As the Health Secretary has said, all the consequential funding from the UK Government announcement — whatever the final level — will be used to support the vital work of hospices.
“We are in discussion with the independent hospices through the auspices of the Scottish Hospices Leadership Group to establish a clear picture of their needs so that we can provide appropriate support at this difficult time.”
If you would like to make a donation to the hospice appeal, go to justgiving.com/campaign/ kilbrydevirtualcampaign