What does it cost?

In 2009 we saw the first signs that the economic downturn was beginning to affect Hospice income. Donations declined by over 35% on the previous year and falling interest rates on our investments meant that we received £50,000 less than in 2008. Income from fundraising events and the Hospice Lottery were also slightly down but many of our tried and tested fundraising initiatives continued to be well supported. Legacy income was only 50% of the 2008 level; though at £267,000 it was still a substantial amount. Such income, whilst unpredictable, is essential to the survival of the Hospice and we are grateful to so many people who have left a gift to the Hospice in their wills. The Hospice shops continue to perform strongly breaking the half a million pounds profit barrier for the first time. Finally we wish to acknowledge the contribution of the Ashton, Leigh and Wigan Primary Care Trust which, despite the current financial difficulties continue to be so supportive of the Hospice cause.

In 2009 the cost of delivering specialist care was £2.57 million. This represents an increase of 10% on the 2008 figure. During the year we have expanded our medical and community nursing team and appointed a Social Worker. These appointments have allowed us to begin a two year trial offering our specialist community nursing service every day of the week including Bank Holidays. The introduction of this enhanced service has had the added benefit of enabling Hospice patients to be admitted to the in-patient unit at weekends where necessary. Overheads and support costs have been kept well under control and we are pleased to still be able to report that when depreciation is excluded…..over 90p in every £1 spent went directly on patient care.

INCOME AND EXPENDITURE