Hospice to cut staff amid financial challenges

An East Sussex hospice has announced it is to cut staff in an attempt to "protect the future of hospice care" in the area.

St Wilfrid's Hospice in Eastbourne said a "perfect storm" of inflation and increased national insurance contributions was behind the layoffs.

It said the decision was made to ensure hospice care in Eastbourne, Uckfield, Seaford and the surrounding areas could continue.

Chief executive Colin Twomey said it had previously relied on reserves to make up its budget shortfall.

The hospice said the amount of money it had received from gifts in wills had also fallen in the last two years.

Mr Twomey said it had been working to reduce its costs and find new legacies, but redundancies and reduced staff working hours were now needed.

He added that the hospice was identifying what the decision would mean for staff, patients and the wider community.

"We will do all we can to protect patient services," he said.

"I want to reassure those receiving care from St Wilfrid's that we will continue to provide that care, and we will keep you informed of any future changes."

Toby Porter, chief executive of Hospice UK, said: "We're sad to see yet another hospice forced to consider making job losses due to financial pressure."

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