Southport Liberal Democrats urge continued support for Queenscourt Hospice

Southport Liberal Democrats are urging people to continue supporting Queenscourt Hospice after Sefton Council backed a motion calling for action on sustainable hospice funding.

The motion, proposed by Cambridge Ward councillor Mike Sammon and seconded by Kew Ward councillor Yaso Sathiy, was passed at last week's Council meeting.

It follows the reduction of Queenscourt's inpatient beds from ten to five, alongside cuts to community services and staffing because of growing financial pressures.

The Liberal Democrats say the Council's support is an important step, but Queenscourt still needs the backing of the community while pressure continues on the Government and NHS commissioners.

Following the motion, Sefton Council will:

·Call on the Government for a sustainable hospice funding settlement, including recurring national funding, proper multi-year NHS contracts and funding that reflects NHS pay rises.

·Ask all Sefton MPs to support Queenscourt's Keep Queenscourt in Service campaign and raise the hospice funding crisis with Ministers and in Parliament.

·Ask NHS Cheshire and Merseyside Integrated Care Board to urgently review commissioning and funding arrangements with hospices serving Sefton residents.

·Place on record its thanks to hospice staff, volunteers, fundraisers, donors and supporters for their outstanding service to patients and families.

Cllr Mike Sammon said:

“I'm really pleased Sefton Council backed the motion, but Queenscourt still needs our support. It has already lost half of its inpatient beds and we cannot afford to lose any more services.

“I would urge everyone who can to keep supporting the Keep Queenscourt in Service campaign. Fundraising should support hospice care, not determine whether beds stay open.”

Cllr Yaso Sathiy said:

“Queenscourt provides vital care and support to people and families when they need it most. I was pleased to second the motion and see it receive the backing of the Council.

“We now need to keep supporting Queenscourt while continuing to make the case for sustainable funding for hospice care.”