Oakhaven Hospice is exploring a range of paid services that will generate new sources of income to help cover the growing costs of its hospice care.

Oakhaven works within an increasingly challenging environment of continually growing demand and costs, with ever-increasing competition from an income generating perspective. 

At any time, Oakhaven is caring for over 500 referred patients, plus their families. Our hospice care is provided free of charge, yet just a small proportion of our day-to-day running costs are covered by the government - currently 11%. 

We are hugely grateful for the support shown by our local community but equally recognise that there is insufficient government funding for hospice and end of life care. Hospice care is the only sector where the NHS does not fund your clinical needs and instead you are reliant on the generosity of others. 

Our mission is to continue to provide high-quality hospice care free of charge for all who need it in our catchment area, meeting the end of life needs of our community, now and in the future. To do this, we need to find new ways to generate income that will help to cover our increasing costs. 

Social enterprise income

In 2014, Oakhaven took the decision to run a separate home care service as a wholly-owned social enterprise. Oakhaven Care Ltd is a separate business entity, providing a first-class service to paying clients - and every year donates 100% of any profits its makes to Oakhaven Hospice. As Oakhaven Care has grown, the income stream that it generates for the Hospice has become increasingly important. Last year it reached the milestone of donating a cumulative £1 million, now contributing a significant amount each year.

In our 2025-2030 strategy, one of our strategic priorities is to work towards financial sustainability. We are therefore investigating the viability of other social enterprises that could generate income for the Hospice. This concept was discussed and very positively received at our community engagement meetings across our catchment area in September 2024. 

Currently we are planning three new social enterprises: Oakhaven Kitchen, Oakhaven Drive and Oakhaven Therapy. For all, 100% of any profits made will be donated to Oakhaven Hospice as new income streams.