Shropshire Star

Severn Hospice petition climbs to over 6,300

The petition opposing £250,000 cuts to funding at the Severn Hospice has climbed to more than 6,300 signatures.

Published
Severn Hospice at Telford

Telford & Wrekin Labour group launched the petition more than a week ago in response to a decision by Telford & Wrekin Clinical Commissioning Group to cut the hospice's funding by 25 per cent.

The cut in funding has meant the charity will have to close two beds from its in-patient centre at Apley Castle, Telford.

The hospice has been called a 'blessing' and 'vital' in the latest messages of support that have been left online by those signing the petition.

Kevin Newell, of Priorslee, wrote: "The hospice is an essential part of our community.

"Any cuts will hurt the hospice and our community."

Pete Bloom, from Muxton, said: "Everyone deserves the dignity and care provided at Severn Hospice at a difficult time."

Dave Lewis, of Birmingham, said his father spent his last days at the hospice and that it was a 'wonderful' place.

He added: "I hate to think that even one person who needs this care will be denied it in future."

Stuart Howell, from Telford, also signed the petition.

He wrote: "It's a blessing to have a facility like this."

Attack

An online crowdfunding page has also been set up by Julie Ward, who organised the Let's Go Quackers art trail, in the hopes of making up some of the shortfall in funding.

It has so far raised more than £360.

Health campaigners have called the cut in funding an 'attack on the dying' and Shropshire, Telford & Wrekin Defend Our NHS says the CCG should have carried out a public consultation.

It comes as health commissioners need to make £10.6m in savings in 2019/20.

David Evans, the CCG's chief officer, said the organisation offers grants to support local voluntary organisations which are reviewed on a yearly basis.

He said the organisation faced challenging financial times and it had to make a difficult decision to stop awarding some grants after March 2019.

The petition is available at bit.ly/2ZfD6su

To donate to the fundraising appeal visit justgiving.com/fundraising/julie-ward250000