St David’s Hospice says economic pressure has made continued operation “unviable” for now
FOUR in-patient beds at St David’s Hospice in Holyhead will close temporarily from October (2025), it has been announced.
The decision was confirmed in a statement issued on Monday (July 14), in which the charity described it as a “difficult strategic decision” prompted by a combination of rising costs and falling income.
A consultation is now underway with staff, and a number of both clinical and non-clinical roles are at risk.
In the statement, St David’s Hospice said: “Sadly, this means a number of clinical and non-clinical positions are at risk at St David’s Hospice and a full consultation is now underway. Staff wellbeing is of utmost priority, and the Hospice is providing support to staff during this difficult time.”
Patients currently receiving care at Holyhead will be offered continued support at the charity’s other sites in Llandudno and Bangor. Services at those locations will remain unaffected.
St David’s Hospice said the closure in Holyhead will be reviewed after 12 months.
The statement added: “This difficult strategic decision has been made due to a number of factors, during a challenging time for the charity and care sectors in the UK.
“The combination of rising running costs and reduced income have made it economically unviable to continue operating all three hospice sites — despite St David’s Hospice’s best efforts to mitigate these factors.”
It continued: “The temporary closure of the Holyhead in-patient beds will, however, allow St David’s Hospice to focus on strengthening its operations — helping to deliver on the Hospice’s mission to ensure that the people of Anglesey, Conwy and Gwynedd receive the end of life care they deserve.”
Founded as a local charity, St David’s Hospice provides palliative and end-of-life care to adults across north-west Wales, including in-patient and day therapy services. It supports over 1,000 people each year.
The charity says it needs more than £6 million annually to continue its work, with only 24% of that coming from the Welsh Government and Local Health Board. The remainder is raised through donations, fundraising, and charity shops.
The Holyhead in-patient beds have offered symptom control, respite and end-of-life care, while the site has also been part of a wider network including bereavement and counselling services.
Members of the public are being encouraged to support the hospice through donations, and further information is available on the organisation’s website.
For more information visit: www.stdavidshospice.org.uk
