As the charity heads into a new era, its Co-Chief Executives, Kate Heslegrave and Dr Karen Chumbley, are developing a new three-year strategy and would like to know via a survey what people who are living in the north east Essex communities served by the Hospice think.

St Helena Hospice announced in January it is now back in a financially sustainable position having faced unprecedented external pressures last year and had to make the difficult decision to reduce some of its clinical services.

Now under new leadership, the focus for the Hospice is on the sustainable re-growth of its clinical and care services, and on creativity and innovation to raise the vital funds needed to support people in north east Essex. 

Ms Heslegrave said:

“Against a backdrop of an uncertain external climate including a national hospice funding crisis, shifting Integrated Care Board boundaries, the debate on the Assisted Dying Bill and wider challenges across the NHS, it is not currently practical to think further ahead than three years, but a great deal can still be achieved in this timeframe.

“We would love to hear from anyone who has a considered opinion about our care priorities and how we deliver them. 

“We would also like to know what you think about our role as a local employer and how people in our community support us with fundraising.

“It is important to bear in mind the financial context when completing our survey, as while we are currently financially sustainable, we still rely on the amazing generosity of our communities to help us generate more sustainable income each year in order to grow any of our services. 

“Perhaps you are a patient or are a family member of someone we have cared for, maybe you have run a marathon or held a bake sale to raise money, or you have volunteered with the hospice; Karen and I would like to hear your opinion.”