SNP Group Calls on Health Board to Fund Bethesda Hospice

The Comhairle nan Eilean Siar SNP Group has expressed frustration and disappointment at the decision to prolong discussions with regards to Bethesda Hospice funding at the Integrated Joint Board (IJB).

Councillors urge Board to back Bethesda and plug funding shortfall

Bethesda Hospice in Stornoway is facing a funding shortfall due to a lack of support from NHS Western Isles though the new Integrated Joint Board (IJB).

Letter to chair of integrated joint board regarding Bethesda

Dear Kenny John,

I write to you with huge concerns about the financial state of the Bethesda Hospice.

As chair of the integrated Joint Board, you and your board members have responsibility for the levels of funding for Bethesda and according to correspondence I have received from the Hospice, you are failing that much valued service to the community.

I believe that health boards were obliged to pay 50% of agreed running costs of hospices and according to Bethesda this has not happened since 2007. We all know that costs rise over time with inflation, salaries also need to increase, so the fact that the funding has remained static for eleven years is shocking.

I understand that the provision of palliative and end of life car has now been delegated to the IJB and a recent Service Level Agreement was welcomed. However, a 3% per annum proposal for the next three years is absolutely appalling given the shortfall over the years. How is the hospice able to function with such a derisory offer. The staff and management of Bethesda should be highly commended for the way they run this facility and also the hard work of funders not to mention the kindness of the community who have donated over the years to its running costs.

I urge you to make good on the funding pledge by covering 50% of the costs and for you to claim back lost monies from the Health Board who failed in their duty by underfunding this hugely important facility . .

I look forward to your response,

Best wishes,

Gordon 

(Cllr Gordon Murray, leader of Western Isles Council SNP Group)