MPs speak out in support of crisis-hit St Catherine’s hospice

Both Horsham MP Jeremy Quin and Crawley MP Henry Smith have spoken with hospice chief executive Giles Tomsett about the hospice’s massive drop in funding caused by the Covid pandemic.

The hospice is having to cut staff numbers and scale back services following a £1.5 million drop in income.

The hospice has had some cash help from the government but says it is still having to make tough decisions, including putting plans for a new hospice in Pease Pottage on hold.

Jeremy Quin said: “I have seen at first hand the extraordinary work of St Catherine’s and have been delighted that they have expanded their services in recent years.

“I appreciate that £1m of Government support and additional assistance through the furlough scheme has been helpful but has not bridged the whole fundraising gap created by Covid.

“Having spoken to the chief executive I know St Catherine’s are absolutely focused on their front line services.

“They have my support in talking through with their integrated care partners how they can best help support patients and overall care provision.

“I know they will continue to provide superb support to those in need and are focused on how they continue their ambitious plans to support the community into the future.”

Henry Smith added: “St Catherine’s Hospice has a long and proud history of serving the Crawley area, extending out to central Sussex and east Surrey.

“The unprecedented Covid-19 pandemic has presented many challenges to this sector, like so many others, and I’m pleased the Government have assisted with £1.1 million in funding to help so far.

“I’m grateful to the St Catherine’s chief executive for speaking with me recently about improved future partnership working with the NHS and others so the important care they provide can continue and indeed expand.”