Mountbatten Isle of Wight has released a film urging Islanders to write or email in support of their local hospice, as it faces NHS cash cuts of £1.4million in 2026/7.
From this Autumn, £600,000 is to be withdrawn from Mountbatten Isle of Wight by the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Integrated Care Board (ICB), which makes decisions about the level of NHS funding awarded to services across the 2 counties.
This disinvestment decision has also sparked a petition, which has already been signed by over 5,000 people. You can add your name at https://www.change.org/p/stop-nhs-cash-cuts-to-mountbatten-isle-of-wight.
For a decade, the ICB has provided around one third of the £10.5million per year that Mountbatten Isle of Wight needs to deliver its 24/7 expert services, in homes across the Island, in St Mary’s Hospital, in its hospice, at the John Cheverton Centre community space and to lymphoedema patients.
Two thirds of the charity’s funding comes from its incredibly supportive community – including through donations grants, gifts in Wills, fundraising events and its dedicated charity shops.
Without the NHS’s vital contribution, cuts to services and jobs losses are likely at Mountbatten Isle of Wight.
VIDEO: Watch Mountbatten Isle of Wight’s film
Incoming CEO, Becky McGregor, who has already taken the fight to Westminster, where she spoke to Isle of Wight West MP, Richard Quigley and who is also supported by Isle of Wight East MP, Joe Robertson, said:
“Your voice can help Mountbatten Isle of Wight show the ICB that taking £1.4 million from us and reallocating it – apparently to Hampshire-based hospices (not including Mountbatten Hampshire) – is not OK.
“This sudden and unexpected decision was made without meaningful consultation and it will have a far-reaching impact on Isle of Wight end-of-life care, into the future.
“Help us Fight the NHS cash cuts by writing to your MP, Healthwatch Isle of Wight and the ICB. Tell them why Mountbatten Isle of Wight is so important to you.
“Ask ICB bosses where Mountbatten Isle of Wight’s money has gone and who will pick up the services Mountbatten will no longer be able to afford to deliver.
“Thank you for your continued incredible support.”
Cuts to hospice funding, legalised euthanasia bill going through parliament. What a wonderful caring government we have.
Don’t forget the safe and effective jabs they are
still administering.
Anyone would think they are downsizing the population.
They cannot afford to pay pensions etc even though
persons have paid in all their life to enjoy their retirement.