Katie Rose Cottage Hospice has temporarily suspended patient admissions as mounting financial pressures and revised government timelines affect its operations.
The difficult decision was made to ensure care continues safely and to the required standard, chair Les Godwin (pictured) says.
“Admissions remain our highest priority and we will recommence them as soon as funding conditions allow,” he says.
The hospice remains committed to providing compassionate end-of-life care, but faces a challenging funding and infrastructure environment.
“The hospice exists because the community supported and voted for this service,” Les says.
“And today, it continues to care for many families across the region during some of life’s most difficult moments.
“However, without urgent community and donor support, the hospice’s ability to continue operating is at serious risk.
“We need help.
“Without support, we may not be there for the families who need us most.”
Revised federal government timelines for the hospice’s planned Stage 2 development have significantly affected the project’s progress.
Following a recent meeting with government representatives, the hospice was advised that the previously agreed project completion timeframe had been shortened.
The original civil works contract had an anticipated completion by May 31 this year.
But the revised requirement mandates completion by March 31to allow for grant auditing, a ministerial review and final sign-off by June 30.
With preparatory works such as site clearing and tree removal yet to commence, the hospice says Stage 2 is unlikely to progress to contract execution under the current schedule.
Katie Rose Cottage Hospice operates under a mixed funding model.
Queensland government funding covers roughly one-third of nursing costs, with the remainder of nursing and operational expenses reliant on community donations, fundraising and revenue from its op shops and warehouse.
Over the six months to December 31 last year, community donations fell significantly, placing further pressure on financial sustainability.
Advice from the Queensland government also confirms that no increase in state funding, originally anticipated for Phase 2, will be provided at this time.
“To continue operating with nurses in place and maintain essential services, urgent funding support is now required,” Les says.
Despite these challenges, Katie Rose Cottage Hospice will continue to operate its op shops and warehouse sales, which are critical to the ongoing financial viability of the organisation.
The board and leadership team are actively exploring options to stabilise funding, strengthen community support, and secure a sustainable future for the hospice.
