LOROS Hospice is reopening more beds on its inpatient ward following new NHS funding, giving patients and families much-needed specialist care.
Last summer, rising costs forced LOROS to cut ward beds from 31 to 18. Temporary funding and community support allowed four beds to reopen in November, and now those beds, plus two more, are permanent.
Picture credit: LOROS Hospice
Dr Luke Feathers, Medical Director at LOROS, said: “This increase in beds is a vote of confidence in the hospice and the importance of end-of-life care for our communities.”
The extra beds have already helped patients like Richard Holden, who was admitted in severe pain. His wife, Linda, said: “One day at LOROS started his journey back. He is now comfortable thanks to their care.”
Dr Nil Sanganee of the Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland Integrated Care Boards added that the funding strengthens LOROS’s role in community care and supports people closer to home.
Despite the boost, demand continues to grow. LOROS says reopening the remaining seven beds would allow more patients to access care. The hospice is urging the community to donate and help ensure no one has to wait for vital support.
“At any point it could be your friend, relative, or loved one who needs specialised care and cannot wait,” said Dr Feathers.
LOROS Hospice provides specialist palliative and end-of-life care for Leicester, Leicestershire, and Rutland. It is the largest hospice in the region, supporting patients both in its inpatient ward and in community-based services.
With an ageing population and increasing demand for care, the charity says more investment is urgently needed. A recent Marie Curie report highlighted that one in three people die without the palliative care they need, while nearly half of UK hospices are having to cut services. LOROS is calling for greater government funding to ensure quality care is available for everyone who needs it.
