NI Children's Hospice to reduce beds capacity because of a loss of funding

The Northern Ireland Children's Hospice is reducing its beds capacity at weekends due to funding issues

The Glengormley-based hospice is a charity which provides specialist palliative care for more than 350 babies, children and their families every year.

A statement from the charity said the reduction is "deeply regrettable and may potentially incur a decrease in staff numbers and a new working model".

However, the long-term sustainability of the service will be safeguarded and the number of children and families being supported will remain unaffected.

The organisation is consulting with families and staff who may be impacted.

The announcement was made as MLAs are due to gather at the Stormont Assembly to call on the Prime Minister to give Northern Ireland the "resources that it needs to deliver effective public services".

Members will debate a motion urging the Government to put Northern Ireland's finances on a "sustainable footing".

First Minister Michelle O'Neill, speaking at the start of the sitting on Tuesday morning, expressed concern.

"I know we all will be concerned, we all would want to do our very, very best for the hospice service itself, particularly when you're dealing with children going through such a difficult time," she said.

"I have spoken to the Health Minister, I know that he and I, and I'm sure the deputy First Minister, will want to do everything we can to be as supportive as we can of the hospice, and I have communicated that with them this morning."

Grace Stewart, acting director of Children's Hospice, said she profoundly regretted having to implement any reduction in capacity.

She said: "This decision, led by the need to ensure the long-term sustainability of our service, will impact bed numbers and availability.

"Given the loss of government funding for one of our beds, our intention is to run six beds Monday to Friday and three beds Saturday and Sunday.

"This is a change from our seven beds, seven nights model."

"Despite these challenges, our unwavering commitment to supporting children and their families remains."

The hospice is the only service of its type in Northern Ireland, supporting babies, children, and their families through a range of services, including antenatal support and supported short breaks.

It requires more than £20 million annually to provide its services.

The charity said it was facing "severe financial challenges due to the current economic climate".

It stated: "Our energy costs have doubled in the last year and the cost-of-living crisis has increased costs of other essential supplies such as clinical supplies, housekeeping supplies, catering as well as other costs such as insurance and security."