Minister to Speak on Hospice Cuts

Island politicians are set to hear more about the future of hospice care next week as Claire Christian prepares to address the House of Keys.

The Health and Social Care Minister will make a statement on Tuesday (March 31) following the news that Hospice Isle of Man is planning redundancies and service changes amid mounting financial pressure.

The charity, which provides palliative and end-of-life care to hundreds of patients each year, has been operating at a deficit for the past six years.

Rising costs, an ageing population and relatively low levels of government funding have all been blamed for the situation, with hospice bosses warning the current model is becoming ‘increasingly unsustainable’.

As part of efforts to secure its future, Hospice has confirmed it will begin discussions with staff over voluntary redundancies and is looking at ways to cut costs and refocus services, although full details have yet to be revealed.

The organisation is also expected to launch a campaign later this year calling for additional government support.

Despite the uncertainty, there have been reassurances that core services, including its in-patient unit, Hospice at Home and Rebecca House Children’s Hospice, will be protected.

The Isle of Man Government and Manx Care say they are continuing to work closely with Hospice to ensure patients and families receive the care they rely on.

All eyes will now be on next week’s Keys sitting, where more detail on funding, and what happens next, could emerge.