\n Both hospices continue to face \u201cunending\u201d financial challenges, spending more money than they are bringing in at a time when demand is increasing year on year.\n<\/p>\n
\n Both Teesside and Butterwick now feel that they can generate more income together, with no immediate noticeable changes to services.\n<\/p>\n
\n While the hospices will now jointly support more than 6,700 people across Teesside and County Durham, the merger has meant that two Butterwick staff now sadly face redundancy.\n<\/p>\n
\n \u201cBy making these decisions now, we are protecting ourselves for the future\u201d, Mike Thornicroft, CEO of Teesside Hospice, told The Northern Echo.\u00a0\n<\/p>\n
\n (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)\n<\/p>\n
\n \u201cWe would always want to reach more people and deliver outstanding care. Demand is going up year on year, and we want to do more for more people.\n<\/p>\n
\n \u201cI think by working together we can share costs, we can bring more income in, and each hospice is protected by the other one’s success.\u201d\u00a0\n<\/p>\n
\n Edward Gorringe, CEO at Butterwick Hospice, said the two hospices are \u201cstronger together\u201d.\n<\/p>\n
\n \u201cThey can better serve communities in the future\u201d, he said. \u201cWe have got strengths in different areas at each hospice. We can hopefully create something taking the best elements of each.\u201d\n<\/p>\n
Both hospices ‘under pressure’<\/p>\n
\n The merger, which follows a lengthy decision process, has been agreed to ensure services for those living with life-limiting illnesses and their families will continue.\u00a0\n<\/p>\n
\n Mr Gorringe, who has been in his role since 2022, said all North East hospices have been working together for years.\n<\/p>\n
\n In the last few months, the merger came about as an “opportunity to build something special\u201d.\u00a0\n<\/p>\n
\n (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)\n<\/p>\n