East Cheshire Hospice has launched a fundraising campaign to buy solar panels as it faces rising cost and care challenges.
The Hospice is appealing to the public to help fund roof panels for its Millbank Drive site as part of a new environmental initiative.
A temporary logo highlighting East Cheshire Hospice’s green campaign, including an appeal for help buying solar panels.
Each panel costs £562.50 and any surplus donations will be put towards the Hospice’s general running costs. To donate visit www.eastcheshirehospice.org.uk/solar-panel-campaign.
Solar panels will cut the charity’s energy costs, so an even greater percentage of future donations can go directly towards patients care.
The appeal comes as hospice care faces more pressures than ever before, both on an economic and health care front.
Fuel costs are rising sharply, while demand for East Cheshire’s services is also expected to increase rapidly in the next few years due to more complexity at end-of-life.
Individual Giving Fundraiser Beth England said: “Installing solar panels is part of a pro-active and long-term solution to the increasing costs and care demands faced by the Hospice, as well as helping protect our environment.
Beth England, Individual Giving Fundraiser at East Cheshire Hospice.
“Using a renewable energy source means we’ll reduce our carbon emissions, which is fast becoming a priority here at the Hospice.
“We aim to be a sustainable healthcare system that respects and protects the environment, while continuing to improve the quality of life and care for those in our community with life-limiting illnesses.
“The Hospice has been protecting our community for over 34 years. The past and present support from our community has ensured our culture of continuous improvement.
“By making a donation today, you’ll be protecting the future of our care and helping us extend our reach as far as we can, and should.”
The number of people dying in the UK with multiple and complex conditions is projected to increase by 42 per cent by 2040.
Beth added: “As anyone who’s received support from the Hospice will know, the wrap-around holistic care we provide is only possible because our nurses have the time and resources to make every moment count.
“Solar panels are low maintenance and this sustainable energy source will enable us to accommodate and plan for the growing complexities of end-of-life care, allowing us to continue giving those in our community the dignity, respect and compassion they deserve.”
A Hospice letter to supporters also highlights current eco-friendly practices in its kitchen, shops and garden which is undergoing an environmental makeover, using plants requiring less water.