The charity is now spending nearly half-a-million pounds on energy bills at its Winchmore Hill and Finchley bases

Local MPs have urged people to support North London Hospice as rising energy costs put its services under pressure.

The charity – which has bases in Winchmore Hill and Finchley – has seen energy costs triple, putting a significant strain on its finances.

Keeping patients warm and running essential equipment now costs North London Hospice almost £450,000, up from just £133,000 the previous year.

The £14million cost of caring for those with life-limiting illness is mostly met by the charity’s fundraising, but the cost-of-living crisis means supporters are also feeling the pinch.

This latest hit to North London Hospice’s finances has added to other inflationary pressures that have left managers saying they face difficult choices to sustain quality end-of-life care.

Chief executive Declan Carroll said: “Like everyone, we at North London Hospice are facing increased energy bills. We aim to provide the best of life, at the end of life so for us, cutting back on heating and electricity simply isn’t an option.

“We have a plan in place to ensure we can continue to deliver the best of care for our patients, but these are challenging times.”

North London Hospice has launched an urgent appeal to meet these rising costs and has designated August as ‘Fund Our Nurses Month’, in a campaign that aims to ensure that its nurses are fully funded this summer.

This week MPs from three boroughs where North London Hospice works have rallied to support its appeal for donations.

Chpping Barnet MP Theresa Villiers said: “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.”

Hornsey and Wood Green MP Catherine West said: “North London Hospice provides essential support for families in Hornsey and 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.”

Edmonton MP Kate Osamor said: “I completely support the Fund Our Nurses appeal so that they are able to continue caring for patients with the high standards they deserve.”

Finchley and Golders Green MP Mike Freer said: “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.”

Enfield North MP Feryal Clark said: “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.” 

Tottenham MP David Lammy added: “North London Hospice goes a long way in making our social fabric one of which we can be proud.”

To find out more about the North London Hospice campaign and to make a donation:
Visit northlondonhospice.org/fund-our-nurses

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