London MPs have urged the public to support North London Hospice as rising energy costs put services under pressure.
Following articles in the local press reporting that senior executives face difficult choices after energy costs tripled in one year, parliamentarians across North London have unanimously rallied round to show their support and encourage the public to get involved.
MPs from both major parties praised the “amazing work” done in the hospice, which has premises in Finchley and in Barrowell Green. Theresa Villiers called its nurses “inspirational”, while David Lammy said the hospice “goes a long way in making our social fabric one of which we can be proud.”
It costs £14 million to care for those with life-limiting illness in Barnet, Enfield and Haringey, most of which is met by donations. But the rise in the cost to keep patients warm and running essential equipment has soared to almost £450,000, up from just £133,000 the previous year.
Increasing energy prices have come at a time when supporters are also feeling the pinch; much higher mortgage and household bills have made it harder to fundraise and cover the additional cost of keeping patients warm in the winter and cool in the summer.
MPs from across the three boroughs have urged the public to back the Hospice’s Fund Our Nurses Month appeal, which aims to raise enough money for nursing care in August and thereby alleviate the huge pressures on finances.
Catherine West, MP for Hornsey and Wood Green, said: “We owe them a debt of gratitude and I’m proud to back their Fund Our Nurses Month appeal.”
Kate Osamor, MP for Edmonton, added: “I completely support their Fund Our Nurses appeal so that they are able to continue caring for patients with the high standards they deserve.”
Fund Our Nurses Month
It’s your donations that put and keep nurses on the wards. It’s your donations that keep the lights on and the radiators warm, that keep the stock rooms full and our patients safe.
In a bid to ensure that its nurses are fully funded this summer, the hospice has designated August as Fund Our Nurses Month. But there's no need to wait until August before donating. To get started, click on the link below.
In their own words: MPs back the appeal
Catherine West, MP for Hornsey & Wood Green: “North London Hospice provides essential support for families in Hornsey & Wood Green at their most difficult times and their resources should be going on care, not crippling energy costs. We owe them a debt of gratitude and I’m proud to back their Fund Our Nurses month appeal. Crucially, I want to see the Government end sticking plaster measures and act to bring down bills and deliver energy security for the long term.”
Theresa Villiers, MP for Chipping Barnet: “I would urge everyone to back this appeal and support North London Hospice at this difficult time. They do incredible work; and to continue with this when energy and staff costs are so high, they need to raise more money than ever before. I am sure the community will hear their call and step up to protect the hospice and the inspirational work it does.”
Mike Freer, MP for Finchley and Golders Green: “Having been a hospice volunteer I know first-hand the amazing work hospices do. I support the campaign to have hospices on an equal footing with the NHS for funding.”
Feryal Clark, MP for Enfield North: “North London Hospice has always provided exceptional care for residents in Enfield and for communities across North London. However, like many around the country, they are grappling with spiralling energy costs. I do not want this to affect the incredible quality of care they provide daily, frequently in the most unimaginable of circumstances, which is why I am backing their Fund Our Nurses campaign to encourage the public to donate.”
Kate Osamor, MP for Edmonton: “North London Hospice is absolutely vital, making such a difference in so many lives. We cannot allow rising energy bills to impact the service they can provide. I completely support their Fund Our Nurses appeal so that they are able to continue caring for patients with the high standards they deserve.”
David Lammy, MP for Tottenham: “It is incredibly concerning to hear that North London Hospice is struggling to meet ever-rising energy costs. Staff at North London Hospice offer a vital service for many communities across North London and we must ensure that nurses need not be sacrificed while energy companies stand to gain. The work they do day in and day out goes a long way in making our social fabric one of which we can be proud. It is for this reason the Fund Our Nurses campaign has my wholehearted support.”
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