St Luke's Cheshire Hospice
Impact Report Impact Report 2025/2026
Where Moments Count At St Luke’s Hospice, our mission is to enable people in Cheshire to live the life they can, informed and supported until the end of their life, and to be there for those who are close to them. For 38 years, we have been providing specialist and palliative care and support. Our support begins from the moment someone is diagnosed, through to palliative care and ultimately end of life care. We also support families and carers, from helping them to cope with the pressure and strains of illness, to coping with bereavement and helping them move forward. St Luke’s is a charity and all of our services are free of charge. This is only made possible by the continued support and generous donations of our community, who provide over 80% of the cost of running the Hospice.
24
We're here for patients 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
1216
300k
We support a population of 300k across the area
Our doctors, nurses and healthcare professionals receive over 1216 referrals each year.
191
A total of 191 people work for St Luke’s.
99%
of patients and their loved ones felt they were treated with a kind and caring attitude.
98%
of patients and their loved ones felt that staff showed respect for their values and beliefs.
Welcome From Our CEO The past year has been one of significant achievement for St Luke’s Hospice, as we have continued to provide high-quality, compassionate care to patients and families across our community. Demand for our services continues to grow, reflecting the increasing complexity of people’s needs and the vital role hospice care plays in supporting those living with a life-limiting condition. I am particularly proud of how our teams have responded, developing and expanding our services so that more people can access timely, specialist support when they need it most. A major milestone this year was our unannounced Care Quality Commission inspection, where we maintained an overall rating of ‘Good’ across all areas assessed - including safety, effectiveness, care, responsiveness and leadership. This reflects the professionalism, compassion and dedication of our staff and volunteers, and their unwavering commitment to ensuring that every patient and family we support experiences care where moments count. Throughout this Impact Report, you will see the numbers behind our work, but, more importantly, you will hear from the people at the heart of everything we do. Through feedback from service users and interviews with patients and their families, you can see the difference St Luke’s makes at some of life’s most difficult moments. We are incredibly grateful to everyone who shares their experiences with us, helping us to learn, improve and continually develop our services. None of this would be possible without the generosity and support of our community. To every donor, fundraiser, volunteer, supporter and partner who helps St Luke’s be there for local people, thank you. As we look ahead, we remain ambitious in our commitment to delivering exceptional care, reducing inequalities in access to hospice services, and ensuring St Luke’s continues to meet the changing needs of our community – today and for generations to come.
Karen Nutt CEO of St Luke’s (Cheshire) Hospice
376
patients were referred to stay on our Inpatient Unit during the year
15
days is the average length of stay on our Inpatient Unit
32%
of patients were discharged to their home or a nursing home for further care
8%
of patients referred to our Inpatient Unit were admitted for pre-booked respite care
Inpatient Unit Over this 12 month period our 10 bed Inpatient Unit received a total of 376 referrals. While the majority of patients referred to us have a cancer diagnosis, 20% of referrals were for other life limiting conditions such as respiratory failure, heart failure, liver disease, Parkinsons, Motor Neurone Disease, and Multiple Sclerosis. 66% of patients referred to St Luke’s were admitted from home for specialist care, demonstrating the Hospice’s role in preventing unnecessary hospital admissions. The remaining 34% of admissions were transferred to the Hospice from hospital, helping the hospital to create greater bed capacity to care for other patients.
Where moments count - our impact “There are no words to describe how truly amazing you all are in the care you give, not just to your patients, but to families as well.” “What you all do is extraordinary and you go above and beyond to make such a difference.” “You made the hardest time in our lives more bearable.”
Where Moments Count Steve and Debbie’s Story Steve Wilson from Crewe says the care his wife Debbie received from St Luke’s during her final months was nothing short of “life changing”. 50-year-old Debbie spent two weeks on our Inpatient Unit to manage pain and symptoms following her diagnosis of stage 3 oesophageal cancer. Steve recalls their arrival as a turning point in Debbie’s care: “We thought she’d be in the Hospice for a couple of days, but she stayed for two weeks. The difference in her before and after the Hospice was just incredible in how she changed for the better while she was there. “From barely getting out of bed in the weeks before, to returning home and being able to go on walks with me and the dogs. It was just amazing. She hadn’t been on a dog walk in months and then all of a sudden there we were walking round Winsford Flashes.” When Debbie returned home, St Luke’s continued to support the family - arranging specialist equipment so she could remain where she wanted to be, surrounded by loved ones. The couple also benefited from the Hospice’s weekend palliative care hub and 24hour advice line. “All the equipment just allowed us to care for her how she wanted to be cared for. It made it so much easier,” says Steve. “We’d have been lost without St Luke’s. And being at home made it easier to spend time with family, her parents and children.” Debbie died peacefully at home, aged just 50, with her family and dogs by her side. "Debbie’s stay at the Hospice made all the difference - sadly just for a few months - but it meant we could do things together rather than her being housebound. It was literally life changing for that short period of time.” Steve
3365
202
calls were made by our nurses to support patients and carers at home
appointments were attended by patients and carers across all Day Hospice services
586
referrals were made to our Day Hospice
Day Hospice More than 3365 appointments were attended by patients and carers in our Day Hospice over the 12 months, for services including our Wellbeing Days, Complementary Therapy Clinics, Dementia Services and Relaxation Workshops. In addition our nurses made 202 telephone calls as part of our Telecare Service to support patients and carers in their own homes.
Of the 586 referrals received:
66% were patients with cancer
16% had a non cancerous diagnosis
18% were carers
Where moments count - our impact “We were so nervous about coming to St Luke’s, but you were all so utterly incredible at making us so comfortable and welcome.” “Thank you. The Relaxation Plus Workshops have helped me with problems caused by my treatments.” “The Hospice is full of special people, forever grateful for the care given to my husband.”
Where Moments Count Pauline’s Story Pauline from Weaverham was supported by our Day Hospice following a diagnosis of stage 4 oesophageal cancer. She attended a course of Wellbeing Days and said the Hospice became a lifeline during that time. "I don’t know what I would have done without St Luke’s,” Pauline shared. “I don’t think I would still be here, to be completely honest. You don’t come here to die – you come here to live. They lift you up.”
A highlight of her visits was painting with Hospice volunteers and receiving support from specialist nurses. With a large and loving family, Pauline treasured every moment she spent with them. She said the Hospice helped her make the most of this precious time. “The only way I can describe it is that when you walk through the doors of the Hospice, it’s like someone wraps a big, warm blanket around you,” she said. “That feeling stays with you from the moment you arrive until the moment you leave. “It’s like coming home – they’re like a family. I get more support here than from any other healthcare."
Dementia Support Services...
1055
appointments for dementia services were provided to patients and carers
121
patients and carers attended music workshops for those living with dementia
Our Dementia Support Services are here to support people living with Dementia and their carers.
175 patients were seen across all our Lymphoedema services
Lymphoedema Services... Lymphoedema Services are here to treat and support patients aged 18 years and over with primary and secondary lymphoedema. The services are run jointly by St Luke’s Hospice, Cheshire Community Integrated Care Partnership and Macmillan Cancer Care.
Where moments count - our impact
“Thank you once again for the help, advice, information and support you have given on the carers’ course. It was very much appreciated and I don't feel quite as at sea and isolated as I did.” “Kirsty was absolutely perfect and very helpful. She explains everything so you understand what is going on.” “I'm newly diagnosed and the nurse went through everything thoroughly. I left feeling positive about how I’ll be able to manage this condition with their support.”
Other Services Weekend Palliative Care Service Our weekend service supports patients and their carers/relatives out-of-hours when community teams may not be operating, as well as healthcare professionals who need specialist, out-of-hours palliative care advice. Over the 12 month period a total of 627 calls were made to patients in their own homes on Saturdays and Sundays, providing advice and support in relation to medication and symptom management.
Occupational Therapy The Occupational Therapy service is integrated within the wider team to provide a holistic approach to patient care at the Hospice. The service provides palliative rehabilitation for all patients, and their family and carers, at every stage of their illness. Our Occupational Therapist had 1,049 contacts with patients and other healthcare professionals over the 12 months.
Social Work Our specialist palliative care social worker offers a wide variety of support to patients who are being cared for by the Hospice and those who are important to them. They can provide practical help in identifying care and support needs, signposting to appropriate support organisations, navigating social care services, food bank referrals, and signposting for financial and benefits advice. 246 patients were supported by our social worker over the 12 month period.
Other Services Befriending There are many people in our community who are not able to live as independently as they would like, due to living with a palliative condition. Our Befriender Volunteers offer companionship through regular visits, emotional and practical support, and help to reestablish a link to the wider community. Over the 12 month period the Befriending Service received 27 referrals, meanwhile our Volunteer Befrienders collectively made 521 visits or phone calls to the people they befriend.
Complementary Therapies at Home We’re pleased to offer a Complementary Therapies Service for patients in their own homes, who are too unwell to attend the Hospice, as part of a joint venture between the NHS Community Palliative Care Team (CCICP), Mid Cheshire Hospitals Charity and St Luke’s. Over the 12 month period this service received 126 referrals and completed 289 appointments with patients and 32 appointments with carers in their own homes.
Capturing Memories Capturing Memories is a service available for patients and their families to create lasting keepsakes to preserve the memory of a loved one. This can be achieved through a variety of activities including finger/hand print activities, memory boxes, recording messages, letter writing, scrapbooks and journals, jars of love, and love hearts. Over the 12 months, 44 patients took part in Capturing Memories activities.
Family Support Our Family Support & Counselling Team received 227 referrals for support over the year. They also completed 1859 appointments with clients, which included:
1522
219
13
appointments were attended by adults receiving 1-2-1 counselling support
adults were supported by our family support groups
bereaved children were supported by our Phoenix Children’s Support Group
83%
37
26%
received counselling in person at the Hospice. The rest were by telephone or video call
appointments were attended for 1-2-1 child counselling support
of our counselling appointments were completed by volunteer counsellors
Where moments count - our impact “St Luke’s is a very special place and we feel privileged and very grateful to have been able to access this wonderful facility.” “The empathy you showed us as a family was so much appreciated during this difficult time. The kindness of all the staff meant so much to us.” “Your care was fantastic to my mum. She couldn’t have been looked after any better.”
Where Moments Count Ian’s Story
Ian Ronson from Davenham’s life was turned upside down by a throat cancer diagnosis. After an endless “conveyor belt” of surgeries and treatments, he found St Luke’s - a place that filled a void he didn’t realise was there. He explained: “ Suddenly everything had finished and you are left to your own devices. It was then that I was put in touch with this wonderful place. They gave me a purpose again.” Ian's first experiences at the Hospice opened his eyes to services like counselling.
“You don’t know you need counselling until somebody talks to you. I’ve been very fortunate with Steve (Counsellor), he’s been brilliant. He takes me to places I didn’t realise I needed to go.” Through his experiences with St Luke’s, Ian has come to terms with the person he is today. “I’ve stopped comparing new me to old me. This is me now. St Luke’s has taught me to accept who I am. I wouldn’t be the person I am now without this place. “I don’t know what I’d do without this facility, because you wouldn’t know to ask for it. I would never have thought about counselling. You can say things safely here that you wouldn’t want to burden your family with.”
Education and training Good education is central to good palliative care and we are committed to sharing our knowledge and expertise with other healthcare professionals. Over this year we have completed the following...
Hosted GP registrars for shadowing placements, supporting learning and exposure to palliative care. Delivered 5 hours of End of Life education to doctors at Mid Cheshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust in collaboration with the Leighton Specialist Palliative Care team. Hosted a GP information evening covering ‘hot topics’ for primary care colleagues. Provided sessions to local GPs in their protected learning time (PLT) on seizure management and pain management. Delivered 3 lectures to colleagues, via the End of Life Partnership, in seizure management, pain management, and recognising dying in Motor Neurone Disease. Our Occupational Therapist has delivered external education, including presentations on managing fatigue and low mood, and training on breathlessness management through the End of Life Partnership. Our Occupational Therapist regularly offers shadowing opportunities for both physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy professionals from community services across Cheshire East and West. Continued to host a doctor on a 6-month palliative medicine rotation shared between the hospice and hospital palliative care teams.
Advice Line 328 calls received Our 24/7 Palliative Care Telephone Advice Line received 328 calls, mainly out of hours, from healthcare professionals in need of specialist advice regarding medication or symptom management. These calls give non‐hospice staff the confidence to support patients in numerous other care settings helping to keep patients from being admitted inappropriately to hospital.
In 2025/26 it cost...
£6,459,000 to run St Luke's Hospice
This equates to: £17,696 per day £737 per hour
£12.29 per minute
We receive limited support from the government which means around 88.5p of every £1 we spend on care is funded by donations and fundraising. Impact Report 2025/26
Volunteering Our care simply wouldn’t be possible without the loyal support of volunteers who help both at the Hospice and across our charity shops. They also support our fundraising events in the community. Volunteers donated more than 51,900 hours of their time throughout the year which saved the Hospice approximately £707,981 in staffing costs. Huge thanks to all our volunteers.
£707,981 staffing costs saved by the Hospice thanks to the generosity of volunteers.
558
volunteers support St Luke’s - in our shops, at fundraising events and in the Hospice itself.
51,900
hours volunteered over the 12 months.
Where moments count - our impact “I wanted to give something back. I like feeling useful and appreciated - at the end of every shift someone says ‘thank you’ and that means a lot.” “Doing this you realise you might have problems yourself, but when you see what some people are going through and dealing with, it puts it all into perspective and makes you feel so humble.” “I feel very proud to have volunteered with the hospice for over ten years. It has been an incredibly positive and rewarding experience, and I appreciate being part of such a caring and dedicated team.”
The Value of Fundraising With only 11.5% of our funding coming from the government - far less than many other hospices - we rely on fundraising and our community’s loyal support to keep our vital services running. From charity shops and our Lottery to events and community activities, we’re deeply grateful for the generosity shown. The following numbers highlight just some of the incredible fundraising over the past year.
Charity Shops Our shops offer a fantastic range of clothing, furniture and accessories and are located throughout mid and south Cheshire.
£412,502
163,365
raised for patient care
Total customers served
£261,597
£9.20
of furniture sales
Average customer spend
£1,227,000 Donated Goods Sales (excluding furniture)
Events & Our Community Events play an important role in raising vital funds for the Hospice, from the Twilight Walk and Midnight Walk to our Christmas Tree Festival, while our Community Fundraising empowers local people, groups, schools and organisations to raise funds in support of Hospice care.
£297,585
£123,135
£127,135
was raised for patient care through St Luke’s Events
was raised by community groups during the year
was raised by individuals during the year
Lottery & Raffles Since 1994 our Lottery has grown to become St Luke’s biggest single source of income and has raised more than £13 million for patient care.
£589,339 was raised for patient care this year through our Lottery and Summer/Winter Superdraw raffles
£64,454 worth of raffle tickets were purchased by supporters for our Summer and Winter Superdraws
1671
people joined our Lottery as new players over the year
Regular Giving Regular giving allows us to plan for the future, and ensures that we can be there for everyone who needs us.
£111,230
£15.68
591
raised towards patient care over the year
average monthly donation
regular givers
The Year At A Glance
3365
376
appointments were attended by patients and carers across all our Day Hospice services
patients were referred to our Inpatient Unit
1055
15
appointments for dementia services were provided to patients and carers
days is the average length of stay on our Inpatient Unit
586
1522
referrals were made to our Day Hospice
appointments were attended by adults receiving 1-2-1 counselling support
1049
558
face to face appointments, phone calls and emails were made with patients and health professionals by our Occupational Therapist
volunteers support St Luke’s in our shops, at fundraising events, and in the Hospice itself
How are we funded? A summary of St Luke's Hospice consolidated accounts from 1st April 2025 to 31st March 2026 Recurring Income
Expenditure
Fundraising Income including Trusts
27%
1,792,000
Charity Shops*
25%
970,000
Lottery
14%
814,000
ICB Grant - recurrent
12%
314,000
Investment Income
4%
23,000
Other
0%
5,844,000
Subtotal
83%
1,932,000
Income Generation 1,143,000
Retail
18%
603,000
Fundraising
9%
309,000
Lottery
5%
1,655,000 6,459,000
Subtotal Total expenditure
33% 100%
(615,000)
Operating Deficit
Non recurrent income and expenditure Expenditure
883,000
Legacies
13%
Patient Care and Support Functions
28,000
Other Grants - one off
0%
303,000
NHSE Grant - one off
4%
1,214,000
Non recurrent Income
17%
356,000
Investment gain
955,000
Net Surplus
3,599,000
Staff costs
56%
185,000
Patient Care and Medical Services
3%
218,000
Building costs
3%
213,000
Depreciation recurring
3%
135,000
Admin costs
2%
55,000
Professional Fees
1%
4,405,000
Subtotal
68%
*The income for shops includes the sale of donated goods at the shops which is transferred to the Hospice charity (£572,000)
As a charity we make no charge for our services, but rely on the support of our local community, our own fundraising efforts and a modest contribution from the NHS. This enables us to provide support to patients and their families according to their individual needs. It is prudent for a charity like ours, whose income is uncertain, to hold reserves to provide the financial stability to sustainably deliver the services which we provide.
Impact Report 2025/26
We couldn't have done it without your generous support. Grosvenor House, Queensway, Winsford, Cheshire CW7 1BH
Registered Charity No. 515595
01606 551246 enquiries@slhospice.co.uk www.slhospice.co.uk