Dr Kershaw's joins ground-breaking Hospice UK tv campaign

Dr Kershaw’s Hospice has joined over 140 hospices from across the UK for a national campaign to raise awareness of the importance of hospice care.

Spearheaded by Hospice UK, ‘This is Hospice Care’ highlights the vital role that hospices play in local communities.

The tv advert aired across major channels yesterday (Monday) and features stories inspired by real-life patients and families.

Its aim is to encourage viewers to leave a gift in their will so essential hospice services can be provided for future generations.

Over the next 20 years, it is estimated that the number of people in Oldham’s population aged 65 or above will grow by 30%.

This increased need for palliative and end-of-life care is met by a lack of funding.

NHS funds cover only one-third of costs for the hospice, and it is not exempt from the rise in national insurance contributions.

Adele Doherty, CEO of Dr Kershaw’s Hospice, said: “Thanks to the incredible support of the Oldham community, our hospice is surviving.

“But the financial pressure is increasing and we cannot exist on NHS funding alone.

“In 2024, 70% of hospices were in a financial deficit.

“By leaving a gift in their will, people are not only funding medical staff and equipment, but helping people to die with compassion and dignity.

“We are proud to act in alliance with Hospice UK, and we stand by our fellow hospices as we highlight our impact within local communities.”

By joining the campaign, Dr Kershaw’s hopes to help people understand how to access hospice services.

It is estimated that over 100,000 people in the UK die each year needing palliative care but not receiving it.

Over the last four years, the number of people dying in poverty has increased by 19%.

Many people, especially those from minority or disadvantaged backgrounds, are unaware that hospice care is free.

Nicola Heppenstall, Community Services Manager at Dr Kershaw’s Hospice, said: “One of the perceptions we would like to challenge is that hospice care is paid for by patients and their families.

“All of our services, including our Inpatient Unit and Wellbeing Centre activities, are free to access.

“To keep them free, we are heavily reliant on fundraising and donations – including gifts in wills.”

Another misconception is that people can only benefit from onsite hospice care.

In 2024, Dr Kershaw’s Hospice cared for 262 patients on its 12-bed Inpatient Unit.

However, its work within the community extended across Oldham and beyond.

Its Hospice at Home service, which supports people who want to die at home, included 2,513 visits by experienced nurses.

A total of 7,285 visits were completed by its Caring Hands healthcare assistants, who help with personal care, medication, toileting, diet and emotional support.

As the only hospice in Oldham, and with more people than ever needing hospice care, Dr Kershaw’s faces increasing running costs.

In 2024, the day rate for keeping the hospice open was £14,358, equating to £5.24 million per year.

To find out more about leaving a gift in your will to Dr Kershaw’s Hospice, please visit: www.drkh.org.uk/giftinwill

---

Do you have a story for us? Want to tell us about something going on in and around Oldham? Let us know by emailing news@oldham-chronicle.co.uk , calling our Oldham-based newsroom on 0161 633 2121 , tweeting us @oldhamchronicle or messaging us through our Facebook page. All contact will be treated in confidence.