The NI Children’s Hospice has announced today, Tuesday 6th February, that the service is to reduce its beds capacity due to a loss of government funding.
While the reduction is deeply regrettable and may potentially incur a decrease in staff numbers and a new working model, the long term sustainability of the service will be safeguarded and the number of children and families being supported will remain unaffected.
The organisation is consulting with families who may be impacted and staff who may potentially be affected.
Grace Stewart, Acting Director of Children’s Hospice Service, says 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. Given the loss of government funding for one of our beds, our intention is to run 6 beds Monday to Friday and 3 beds Saturday and Sunday: this is a change from our 7 Beds, 7 Nights model.
“Despite these challenges, our unwavering commitment to supporting children and their families remains,” says Ms Stewart.
NI Children’s Hospice currently provides care for more than 350 children and their families each year.