Welcome to my blog. I am a former local journalist who now works in PR and a Conservative and community activist in Woking and Horsell. This blog will keep updated on local issues as well as my interests and quirky news stories.
The hospice on Hill View Road has been in discussion with the council about securing financial assistance since April as the effects of the recession bite into its fundraising ability. It recently suspended day centre services due to financial pressures.
Each year, Woking Hospice needs to raise around £2.6million to fund its end-of-life care but NHS Surrey gave only £423,000 to the charity for 2009/10 and future funding from the NHS looks bleak. The hospice estimates that it needs £300,000 by March 2010 to maintain its core services, which provide respite for families and dignity for patients.
Under proposals put forward to the executive, the council would provide £57,400 this year and will consider a similar amount annually until 2012/13 to fund home nursing services. This money would come initially from the Community Fund and subsequently from the Grants budget.
Conservative Leader of the Executive Cllr John Kingsbury said: “We provided £250,000 to set up Woking Hospice but since that time it has managed to raise enough funds without council help. But the recession has meant a big drop in donations and the amount of money it can raise.
“There are many competing calls on the council for money and we are already under a great deal of pressure but the benefits of the hospice’s work in the community are clear. It is vitally important that its work continues and the Conservative administration is determined to support this funding proposal.”
Jonathan Lord, the recently selected Conservative Parliamentary Candidate for Woking said: “It is clear that Woking Hospice fulfils an essential role within our community. I am delighted to support the Conservative administration’s efforts to help the hospice maintain its services during these tough economic times.”
