Under-
The Stornoway based facility which has four beds to care for terminally ill patients is not receiving the proper level of funding it believes it should from the NHS.
Bethesda faces a £138,000 deficit this year.
The facility could close if the situation does not improve it is feared.
The next nearest hospice is in Inverness.
Western Isles health board previously paid 50% of the hospice services under a Scottish Government arrangement The remainder was found through fundraising with support from islanders.
That split has diminished over the past decade and Bethesda’s burden of shoring up the shortfall is now reaching an apparently worsening situation
Recent changes means NHS funding for the hospice is channelled though the Western Isles health and social care partnership, the Western Isles Integration Joint Board (IJB).
But the IJB claims it cannot be held to the government arrangement to equally share the running costs.
A statement issued by Bethesda Hospice said: “Could we ask any supporters of Bethesda Hospice to email Alasdair Allan MSP or Jeane Freeman Cabinet Secretary for Health and Sport as we need all the support we can to show that Bethesda Hospice funding should be at a level to continue with the current service and beyond.”
The hospice explains that “under government documentation NHS Western Isles have been obliged to fund 50% of the running costs of the hospice.
“This has not been happening for a number of years which has created an increasing shortfall in funding.
“The generosity of the community has enabled us to bridge the gap in the past, but this is no longer sustainable.”
Bethesda said: “Bethesda Hospice needs the community to let their councillors and health board representatives know of their concerns for the survival of the service.
“It is imperative that Bethesda is supported in their endeavours to receive the appropriate funding from the Integrated Joint Board/health board in order that specialist palliative care services can continue to be provided on the Island.”
MSP Alasdair Allan expressed his support for the hospice.
Mr Allan said: “The work that Bethesda does in the community in terms of supporting
those with full-
“I believe we are lucky to have this service and that we cannot afford to lose it.
“It
is clearly wrong that Bethesda have not had an uplift in support from the health
board since 2011, and I am troubled about the effect of this underfunding to their
finances.
“Since March, I have been lobbying NHS Western Isles, the Western Isles Integrated Joint Board and the Scottish Government on Bethesda’s behalf.
“There is a pressing need for the IJB to enter into a new agreement with Bethesda which guarantees appropriate levels of funding.
“As local MSP, I will continue to do all that I can to ensure that they do.”
NHS Western Isles has been approached for comment.
A recent health board statement on the issue said: “Many staff and organisations contribute to delivering care and services for patients and their families at their most difficult times, some of those in a hospital or hospice setting and in increasing number in their own homes.
“Alongside Bethesda, the board equally values and appreciates all those who contribute.
“Western Isles Health Board has worked closely with Bethesda Hospice over the years to ensure that the best possible outcomes are being achieved by both parties, and at each review, agree the level of funding for the next service level agreement period.
“NHSWI values and commends the services provided by Bethesda Hospice and will continue to work with colleagues at Bethesda to support patients and families in providing the best care possible.”
The MSP’s e-
Health secretary Jeane Freeman can be contacted at CabSecHS@gov.scot
Bethesda Hospice appeals for community help to stave off potential closure
12 August 2019