Together in Adversity Dorothy House Hospice Care campaign launched

Dorothy House Hospice Care is facing a critical financial shortfall which, without remedy, threatens the specialist end of life care we currently provide to patients and families across our 800 square mile patch. 

Rising costs, National Insurance and minimum wage hikes, alongside stagnant government hospice funding at 20% of total costs, has had a major impact on the financial sustainability of the Hospice.

Together in the face of adversity campaign

Known for our innovation, collaboration and CQC rated outstanding care, Dorothy House is now appealing to MPs, local influencers and our loyal community to stand together to highlight the gravity of the situation.

Wayne de Leeuw, Chief Executive of Dorothy House Hospice Care, said,

“We urgently need the support of our community and the government to ensure we continue offering the specialist care and support that our patients and their families deserve. No one should face death alone, and yet this financial gap places huge pressure on our workforce to make difficult decisions about who can receive our care, at a time when we want everyone to have equal access to our specialist support.”

“Last year, Dorothy House cared for more than 3,000 patients and 1,000 loved ones completely free of charge. We have done this in the face of enormous funding adversity because it is the right thing to do, but now, more than ever, we need help to ensure people can die with dignity.”

Watch Wayne’s video message below:

We are appealing to anyone who may one day need our services, to stand with Dorothy House in the face of adversity, to help protect vital core services now and into the future. Our supporters can attend an event, donate to the shops, run their own fundraiser or simply donate via the website.

Rising costs

Over the past three years, the cost of running the Hospice has risen from £46,000/day to £52,000/day (based on 2022 to 2024 figures). With the number of people needing specialist end of life care predicted to rise by 25% by 2048, the Hospice is in need of urgent financial support. Dorothy House has longer term plans to campaign for change to ensure hospices are able to secure fair, long-term funding solutions. However, there is an immediate critical fundraising shortfall which the recent government announcement of a one-off cash injection has not completely addressed.

Resolute in our approach, we continue to support more and more patients like Emma through our core services; on the specialist inpatient unit in Winsley and through our community palliative care teams visiting people’s homes.

Emma Dehaini – patient of Dorothy House Hospice Care, June 2024

“Everyone dies at some point. But that doesn’t necessarily make it any less scary. It makes me think if this hadn’t been there, how much harder this journey to death would be. I couldn’t have done it. My family couldn’t have done it without Dorothy House.”

Emma Dehaini; Watch Emma’s video

Even small donations can make a big difference in ensuring that patients like Emma and her family receive the care they need during the toughest times of their lives.

Efficiencies and innovation

The Hospice has aligned its strategic planning with NHS localised community models, bringing care closer to those who need it, and has served 5% more patients and 15% more families in just one year.

Our digital first approach has expanded the self-service resources on our website, allowing anyone, anywhere to access free information and advice.

This year, in a unique fundraising super sprint, we raised over £350,000 in 36 hours, saw dedications on Firefly lights grow to £165,000 and we are even bringing a Zipline to Bath City Centre in 2025, yet our £5.7 million retail income still continues to outstrip the £3.8 million funding from government.

This is why we are appealing to anyone who may one day need our services, to:

• Donate to our Adversity Appeal
• Support our upcoming fundraising events
• Visit or donate to one of our 27 shops
• Write to your local MP to secure a national settlement that meets the increasing demands of an ageing population

Visit the Together in Adversity campaign page here to learn more about this Dorothy House funding appeal and to support us in providing our vital services to our local community.