"Cash strapped Zoe's Place Baby Hospice forced to reduce operations"

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"Cash strapped Zoe's Place Baby Hospice forced to reduce operations"

Postby dutchman » Tue Apr 13, 2021 2:37 pm

They are now only able to open for four days a week

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"When the pandemic hit, events were cancelled and donations went down almost overnight and we were left with no choice but to close the doors to the hospice."

This is the situation facing Coventry's beloved children's hospice, Zoe's Place.

Gina Harris, the hospice's head of care, said that in the charity's 25-year history it has never been like this.

Zoe's Place, in Ash Green, is now only able to open for four days a week and have been unable to care for every child and family, meaning their waiting list has grown substantially over the past year.

With their cash reserves at an all-time low, Zoe's Place is facing an uphill struggle to get back to full operating capacity.

Ms Harris said: "During this prolonged lockdown period and uncertainty, our families and children have been without the full use of Zoë’s Place, which allows them vital respite, time for each other or their child’s siblings, a chance to run errands and relax, time for space and simply a chance to breathe.

"Covid-19 has stolen the only additional support network many of our families have access to.

"While these have been necessary and crucial steps to protect our most vulnerable children, it has come at a cost to the families reliant on the services Zoe’s Place offers."

In the first coronavirus wave in the UK, donations plummeted by 60 per cent and income from events was wiped out overnight.

The hospice started a restructure, reducing 40 per cent of its workforce – which in turn has led to a reduced level of service - but there are fears that still won't be enough.

While they hospice has taken steps to take care of the city's most vulnerable children, there are still some families going without.

Over the last 10 years Zoe's Place has provided 4,604 respite sessions, increased their number of cots from two to five, and increased their services to include hydrotherapy, physiotherapy, counselling and sibling support.

The hospice has said they hope donations will help them return to being open seven days a week, and increase the number of cots, bedrooms and support available to children and families.

To donate, visit the website here.

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