Two specialist inpatient beds at Ashgate Hospice have been saved from closure for a further six months thanks to an overwhelming community response to the charity’s fundraising appeal.
In October, Ashgate announced it faced £2.6 million in cuts due to insufficient NHS funding, proposing reductions to inpatient beds, staffing and several services. The North Derbyshire hospice launched its Save a Precious Bed Appeal to raise £244,000 to temporarily protect two of the nine inpatient beds at risk.
The target has been met in just over two weeks, securing four full-time nurse roles and three full-time healthcare assistant posts on fixed-term contracts. This means 25 more patients will receive specialist end-of-life care over the next six months.
Seven beds still to close at hospice with jobs at risk
Despite the success, the hospice must still close seven beds, and 33 jobs remain at risk. Ashgate is urging continued support, as every £40,000 raised will keep both beds open for an additional month.
Jack Wood, director of income generation at Ashgate Hospice, said: “Thanks to the incredible generosity of our community, we have been able to protect these vital beds and posts for another six months at a time when services across the sector are under extreme pressure.
“This support means more patients can continue to receive compassionate, specialist care at the end of their lives.
“But the challenges we face are ongoing, and we’d like to keep these two beds open for even longer. Every penny raised now, will help us do that – and make sure we can continue caring for the people who need us most.”
Among those calling for continued support is Tracey Green, whose father, John Ryan, died at Ashgate in October 2022 after a rapid diagnosis of kidney and bone cancer. He had spent years caring for his partner while managing his own health before being admitted to Ashgate’s Inpatient Unit.
Tracey, from Nottinghamshire, urged the public to keep backing the appeal.
“Dad was incredibly brave,” Tracey said. “Even in the most painful moments, he faced each day with strength and a sense of humour.
“At Ashgate, he was made comfortable from the moment he arrived. The staff helped with everything from meals to small touches that meant so much to him, like conversations about his favourite music and cars.
“The pastoral team brought light and laughter into the room and even got him a Guinness at his request, which was a lovely gesture.
“The nursing and medical teams were always attentive… They allowed him to maintain dignity and independence as much as possible.”
Tracey and her sister Clare were able to spend precious time with their father in the hospice’s gardens and family rooms.
“The hospice allowed us to make memories we’ll never forget,” Tracey said. “We could be there 24 hours a day, and it never felt like we were imposing.
“That time we spend together was just invaluable to our family.”
Ashgate currently operates 15 of its 21 beds, with nine set for closure – including the two temporarily saved — because of the funding shortfall.
“Knowing there are so few beds left, it’s heartbreaking,” Tracey said. “Every specialist bed counts. Supporting Ashgate means more families will receive the same dignity, comfort, and compassion my dad did.
“Ashgate Hospice made a difference for our family when we needed it most. Please help keep these beds open so others can experience the same care and comfort.”
How to donate
You can donate to help keep two beds open for longer at Ashgate Hospice, so the
charity can be there to support people at the most crucial time in their lives at
ashgatehospice.org.uk/precious-bed
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