Thames Hospice responds to new report from Public Accounts Committee highlighting the scale of the challenge across the sector.

Dr Rachael de Caux, Thames Hospice Chief Executive said:

“We recognise the concerns raised by the Public Accounts Committee, which reflect the very real and growing pressures facing hospices across the UK. Recent data shows that nearly six in ten hospices have made or are considering cuts to services, highlighting the scale of the challenge across the sector.

At Thames Hospice, we are in a stable financial position and remain focused on delivering high-quality care for the communities we serve. However, like many hospices, we are not immune to these pressures. We are currently operating with a planned deficit of around £500,000 - a position that is manageable in the short term, but not sustainable in the long term without changes to how hospice care is funded.

We are seeing increasing demand for our services, particularly in the community, where around 80% of our care is now delivered. Hospice care plays a vital role in supporting patients to remain at home and helps reduce pressure on hospitals and the wider NHS.

While recent government investment in hospice infrastructure is welcome, what is needed now is a long-term, sustainable approach to funding day-to-day care. We support calls from across the sector for a fairer and more predictable funding model that reflects the true cost of delivering specialist palliative care.

We are incredibly grateful to our local community, whose ongoing support enables us to continue providing compassionate care to patients and families across East Berkshire and South Buckinghamshire. While we are in a strong position today, we cannot afford to be complacent, and we will continue to plan carefully to ensure our services are there for everyone who needs them in the future.”

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