Grant helps Harrogate hospice carry on caring

A North Yorkshire hospice has secured new support to continue its vital work.

Harrogate-based Saint Michael’s Hospice has received a £1700 grant from County Durham-based property developer the Banks Group to help cover the cost of essential medical supplies. 

Officials say the cash will pay for a month’s worth of disposable items such as syringes, dressings and sterilising wipes, as well as batteries for syringe drivers.

They add that despite demand for its care having increased sharply in recent years, it only receives a quarter of its funding from the Government and is reliant on community support to continue delivering its services.

Jaimie Watson, inpatient services manager at Saint Michael’s Hospice, said: “Every day, our team of nurses, healthcare assistants and doctors give compassionate, expert hospice care tailored to each patient when facing a terminal illness.

“Our staff get to know those staying in our hospice and their families, help them to feel as comfortable as possible and make special memories to cherish.

“But with rising costs and only 25 per cent Government funding, we rely on the continued support from trusts, gifts in wills, fundraising, events and our charity shops to make up the 75 per cent of our funds needed to keep providing our care.

“The Banks Group’s contribution towards the medical supplies for our inpatient unit will make an immediate difference and will allow us to continue delivering compassionate care for those who need it most.”

Kate Culverhouse, community relations manager at the Banks Group, added: “The Saint Michael’s team is always there to provide support of every kind to local people and their families as they deal with the most difficult of situations, and we’re proud to be part of its community of supporters.”

The hospice, founded in 1987, supports people across Harrogate, Knaresborough and nearby areas through its ten-bed inpatient unit and HOME service, which helps people remain independent at home. 

It also runs Just ‘B’, which provides bereavement and emotional wellbeing support.

Tony Collins, chief executive of Saint Michael’s Hospice, added: “We’re committed to ensuring that no-one faces terminal illness or bereavement alone. 

“Our ageing population and the increasing reliance of our healthcare partners on our specialist services make our work more vital than ever and means the demand for our care is growing.

“We achieved our goal of supporting 50 per cent more individuals in 2024, even amid significant financial pressures, and we're already on track to meet and exceed that milestone again this year. 

“With our charity mostly powered by donations and fundraising, we’re very grateful to the Banks Group. 

“Support from our community is so important for us to continue to be there for those who need us and reach more people in the future.”   

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