St Nicholas Hospice Suffolk

St Nicholas Hospice Suffolk is a registered UK nonprofit organization providing specialist palliative care and support services to people with life-threatening illnesses and their families across Suffolk. It operates as a hospice charity (charity number 287773) dedicated to improving quality of life for patients in the final stages of life and supporting their carers through a range of services.

Overview

St Nicholas Hospice Suffolk offers comprehensive care including a 12-bedded inpatient unit, day hospice programs, community care, counselling, spiritual care, and bereavement support. The charity's approach encompasses physical, emotional, and spiritual wellbeing of patients and their families, aiming to provide dignity and choice in their care[2][4].

Services

• Inpatient Unit: A 12-bed facility delivering specialist medical care to patients requiring close monitoring and symptom management.
• Day Hospice and Patient Groups: Offering therapeutic activities, social support, and symptom control in a day care setting.
• Community Care: Nursing and support services provided at patients' homes.
• Counselling and Bereavement Support: Emotional and psychological support for patients, families, and carers.
• Medical Outpatient Support: Specialist consultations and treatments.
• Spiritual Care: Support respecting individual beliefs and values[2].

Funding and Operations

For the financial year ending 31 March 2024, St Nicholas Hospice Suffolk reported total income of approximately £7.45 million sourced from donations and legacies (£3.07m), charitable activities (£1.88m), trading activities (£2.31m), and investments (£185k). Expenditure was approximately £7.44 million, with £4.26 million spent directly on charitable activities and £3.18 million on fundraising efforts[2].

The charity employs 154 staff members and is supported by 371 volunteers. The governance structure includes 10 trustees. Salary bands indicate several senior staff earning £60,000 to £130,000 annually[2].

Community Engagement

St Nicholas Hospice Suffolk actively engages volunteers through its "Hospice Neighbours" program, encouraging community members to contribute meaningfully to patient care and support[1]. The charity also promotes initiatives such as "Wills Weeks," encouraging supporters to update their wills benefiting the hospice[1]. Inspirational stories from patients, families, and fundraisers regularly highlight the hospice’s positive impact within the local community[1][4].

Vision

The hospice is committed to a vision that ensures every individual in its community has access to support, dignity, and choice when facing the challenges of dying, death, and grief[5].

St Nicholas Hospice Suffolk remains a crucial element of palliative care within Suffolk, demonstrating robust financial management, comprehensive care provision, and active community involvement.

[1] https://stnicholashospice.org.uk [2] https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/en/charity-search/-/charity-details/287773 [3] https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/en/charity-search/-/charity-details/287773/contact-information [4] https://www.suffolkuserforum.co.uk/support-directory/st-nicholas-hospice-care/ [5] https://www.instagram.com/stnicholashospicecare/