NI Children’s Hospice to reduce bed capacity due to ‘loss of government funding’

The Northern Ireland Children’s Hospice is to reduce its beds capacity due to a “loss of government funding”.

In a statement on Tuesday, the charity said the reduction is “deeply regrettable and may potentially incur a decrease in staff numbers and a new working model”.

It added that the “long-term sustainability of the service will be safeguarded and the number of children and families being supported will remain unaffected”.

The charity also said it is consulting with families and staff who may be impacted by the decision.

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Located in Glengormley, Co Antrim, it provides specialist palliative care for more than 350 babies, children and their families every year.

Grace Stewart, acting director of Children’s Hospice Service, said that she “profoundly regrets having to implement any reduction in capacity”.

“This decision, led by the need to ensure the long-term sustainability of our service, will impact bed numbers and availability,” she said.

“Given the loss of government funding for one of our beds, our intention is to run six beds Monday to Friday and three beds Saturday and Sunday: this is a change from our seven beds, seven nights model.”

She added that “despite these challenges, our unwavering commitment to supporting children and their families remains”.

The hospice is the only service of its type in Northern Ireland, supporting babies, children, and their families through a range of services, including antenatal support and supported short breaks.

It requires more than £20 million annually to provide its services.

The charity said it was facing “severe financial challenges due to the current economic climate”.

It stated: “Our energy costs have doubled in the last year and the cost-of-living crisis has increased costs of other essential supplies such as clinical supplies, housekeeping supplies, catering as well as other costs such as insurance and security”.