Working together with our Scottish Hospice partners, we’ve made important progress in drawing attention to the rising demands and costs we’re facing with local parliamentarians and policymakers nation-wide.

We’re now in a strong collective position to work with the Government to develop a new sustainable funding model, which recognises the invaluable work hospices carry out and secures the future of hospice care in Scotland.

I’m immensely proud of our achievements over the past year and proud of the fact that despite all of the challenges we’ve faced, our inspirational team has remained steadfast in their commitment to keeping patients and their families at the heart of everything we do here at the Hospice.

Looking forward, we will focus on three strategic priorities:

To work in partnership with the NHS and other health and social care providers to meet the needs of our community

Collaboration ensures that our patients receive comprehensive care by bringing together professionals from different disciplines to address various aspects of their health needs. We will continue to work in partnership with key stakeholders to ensure the most efficient use of resources and the most effective outcomes for patients and families.

We’re committed to addressing inequalities in palliative and end-of-life healthcare provision. We’re actively sharing best practice and expanding our knowledge and skills to maximise accessibility to palliative and end-of-life care across Edinburgh and the Lothians and reach as many people as possible that could benefit from our services as early as possible.

This means a focus and drive on palliative care education amongst health and social care providers and clearer information for our key stakeholders so that partners understand the referral process and the full range of services available.

To support and continue to grow an exceptional and committed team

We want to ensure a sustainable workforce for now and in the future. We’re focusing on improving career pathways and progression within our organisation. We want our people, both staff and volunteers, to thrive in a well-supported culture that promotes innovation and learning, recognises success and celebrates diversity, equality and inclusion.

To develop a sustainable business model

We want to safeguard the future of the hospice and ensure we are here for people across Edinburgh and the Lothian now and in the future.

We will continue to work with the hospices across Scotland and the Scottish Government to ensure we meet the projected care needs of the Scottish Population.