Hospice closes doors, awaits state funds

THE Sunshine Hospice has today confirmed the temporary closure of the much-loved Katie Rose Cottage due to “financial difficulties”.
Sunshine Hospice board chairman Dr Frank Lewins said the decision was “unpleasant” but the board has decided to temporarily close the in-patient facility until the “financial picture becomes healthier”.
In a statement to the media, Dr Lewins said the facility had been experiencing financial difficulties for “some time” and because of this sought emergency funding from Queensland Health nearly two months ago.
“We have had verbal assurance the funding is forthcoming, subject to certain contractual conditions,” he said.
“Even if the charity is successful in obtaining the funding, there is still a considerable shortfall in the operating costs of keeping the hospice functioning every hour of the day, every day of the year.”
Dr Lewins said the board decided temporarily to close the hospice facility until the financial picture becomes healthier.
“We shall consolidate revenue through the continuing operation of our charity shops; seriously revise our business model; and communicate more effectively the charity’s situation to the wider community,” he said.
“The board remains committed to its long-term vision of having a sustainable community hospice on the Sunshine Coast and expresses thanks to donors, volunteers and staff who have made it possible.”