Latest News – St Andrews Hospice

Hospice receives funding for solar panels

Lauren mckenzie — Wed, 10 Jun 2026 15:15:29 +0000

Hospice receives funding for solar panels

St Andrew’s Hospice has recently been awarded funding from the Scottish Government’s Community and Renewable Energy Scheme (CARES) and guidance from Business Gateway helped secure over £9,000 from North Lanarkshire Council’s Business Growth Fund to install solar panels on the hospice site.

John Heron, Facilities Manager at St Andrew’s Hospice said: “Here at the Hospice, we are always looking for ways to be more sustainable.

“The installation of solar panels will not only reduce our electricity costs by at least £20,000 per year and our reliance on fossil-generated electricity, but we will also be returning any surplus energy to the National Grid.

“St Andrew’s Hospice is already a huge recycler of donated items. Everything from clothing to furniture is kindly donated to our shops by the generous people of Lanarkshire. Not only does this save items from landfill, it gives them a second lease of life as well as helping to generate the vital funds required to deliver specialist palliative and end of life care and support services to our patients and their loved ones.

“We already operate a number of processes within the hospice to improve our environmental sustainability including minimising food waste and segregating waste at source however, we recognise we can always do more to be a sustainable neighbour and reduce our carbon footprint.

“We are grateful to our contractors GMG for their consideration and cooperation during the install to minimise disruption to our patients.”

Chris Morris, Local Energy Scotland Manager, said: “Local Energy Scotland is pleased to see communities across Scotland, such as St Andrew’s Hospice, making full use of the support available through CARES to improve the sustainability of their buildings. We commend St Andrew’s Hospice for taking positive action to advance its sustainability mission.”

Through one-to-one support from Business Gateway senior business adviser, John McAndrew, the hospice received guidance to navigate the funding application process and identify additional expert support to strengthen the project.

Business Gateway also arranged fully funded consultancy support from net zero specialist Zoe Stirton, who conducted a detailed energy audit of the hospice site. The audit identified several opportunities to further reduce energy consumption and highlighted potential eligibility for a further grant to support the future purchase of an electric vehicle.

John McAndrew, Senior Business Adviser at Business Gateway, said: “St Andrew’s Hospice is doing vital work in the community, and it has been a privilege to support the team with this project. From helping secure grant funding to connecting the hospice with specialist net zero expertise, this support has helped unlock opportunities that will benefit the organisation for years to come.”

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St Andrew’s Hospice celebrates Volunteers’ Week 2026

Lauren mckenzie — Thu, 04 Jun 2026 11:36:31 +0000

St Andrew’s Hospice celebrates Volunteers’ Week 2026

This week, St Andrew’s Hospice has joined thousands of charities and voluntary organisations in recognising the contribution volunteers make across the UK.

Running every year since 1984, the week provides a crucial opportunity to thank volunteers and recognise the value of their time, passion and skills. The campaign highlights the diversity and unity of volunteer work across the UK.

This Volunteers’ Week, St Andrew’s Hospice will be celebrating their volunteers by hosting a series of events, where volunteers can come together, enjoy Afternoon Tea and some live music and dancing.

Norma in our Dove Shop

Norma MacDonald volunteers in the Dove Shop within the Hospice Reception and their Shopping Outlet in Coatbridge. She told us why she gives her time to the Lanarkshire charity: “In July 2019, sadly my husband passed away in St Andrew’s Hospice after a short illness. Since then, rebuilding my life has been quite a journey.

“As I’m sure anyone here tonight who has lost a lifetime partner knows, finding your way forward alone is not easy. Suddenly, everything changes for you, and all the plans you had for your future together are no longer an option.

“As the months passed, I began to realise that I needed to find something positive to do with my life, something which would be beneficial for me and also give back for the care that my husband, Ian, and myself received as a family from all the Hospice staff and volunteers.

“I had been in the Dove Shop in the Hospice reception several times during my husband’s stay there, and I realized that that’s where I could maybe help. So in October 2019, I began to volunteer in the Dove Shop.

“Straight away, even from the first day, I felt that I was taken into the family of St Andrew’s Hospice, receiving support and friendship at my time of need. I really enjoy volunteering there, and also in the Hospice’s Shopping Outlet since it opened over a year ago; meeting new people, building relationships, and making new friends.

“I found that I could make a difference, especially being able to understand how patients’ families are feeling and the difficulties that they face with the illness of a loved one. Sometimes they will open up and talk to you about their loved one and the difficulties they are facing when they are in the shop.

“Volunteering with the Hospice has been a great experience for me. It has given me a purpose in my life and a reason to get up and go out in the mornings. I really look forward to my working days. As a result of this, I found that I am much stronger and far more resilient than I ever thought I could be.

“Still to this day, I think that I get more back from volunteering than I give to the hospice. A well-known quote states, ‘Only by giving, are you able to receive more than you already have.’

“If you have ever thought about giving time to the Hospice, then please do so. You will never regret your decision, and you will be welcomed into the family that is St Andrew’s Hospice.”

Joy Farquharson, CEO of St Andrew’s Hospice praised the organisation’s 650 volunteers, telling us: “I’d like to thank our amazing volunteers for everything they give to St Andrew’s Hospice. Without you, we would not be able to provide the services that we do. I can’t thank you all enough.”

From beauticians to befrienders, St Andrew’s has a wide variety of volunteering opportunities on offer. So if you can spare a couple of hours per week to support your local hospice, please click here for more information on the roles available.

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St Andrew’s Hospice becomes accredited Living Wage employer

Lauren mckenzie — Fri, 14 Nov 2025 16:22:55 +0000

St Andrew’s Hospice has become accredited as a Living Wage employer

This Living Wage Week, St Andrew’s Hospice is celebrating becoming an accredited Living Wage employer.

Our Living Wage commitment sees everyone working at St Andrew’s Hospice, including regular workers employed through third-party suppliers, receive the real Living Wage. This rate is higher than the government minimum.

Karen Donnelly, Head of People for the organisation said: “We have an amazing team of employees at St Andrew’s Hospice. Their commitment and dedication along with being highly skilled is vital to ensuring the Hospice can continue to provide exceptional care to patients and families across Lanarkshire. Our commitment to the Living Wage reflects our acknowledgement and appreciation for this hard work.

Annemarie Ross, HR Assistant at St Andrew’s Hospice said: “By providing a real Living Wage, I feel the Hospice is demonstrating recognition, support and commitment to us as employees.

“This benefits everyone: it helps to give staff dignity; gives financial reward to staff who are working hard in all sectors, both onsite and offsite; I feel this results in every employee being valued as we support the Hospice to provide the great care that it does.”

In Scotland, 88.6% of all jobs pay at least the real Living Wage, this is higher than any other UK nation. Yet the number of jobs paid below the real Living Wage has increased in recent years and now, over 1 in 10 jobs in Scotland pay less than the real Living Wage which equates to 288,000 jobs.

The real Living Wage is the only UK wage rate calculated according to the costs of living. Employers choose to pay the real Living Wage on a voluntary basis, recognising the value of their workers and ensuring that a hard day’s work receives a fair day’s pay.

Since 2011 the Living Wage movement has delivered pay rises to over 72,000 people in Scotland and put over £680 million extra into the pockets of low paid Scottish workers.

Lynn Anderson, Living Wage Scotland Manager said: “We’re delighted to welcome St Andrew’s Hospice to our growing network of accredited Living Wage employers. Their commitment sends a powerful message – that fair pay leads to a happier, healthier and more motivated workforce.

“Our Living Wage network includes employers from across all sectors and industries, and we hope to see many more join St Andrew’s Hospice in going further than the minimum.”

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A Donation That Drives Hope

Lauren mckenzie — Fri, 16 May 2025 15:38:12 +0000

A Donation That Drives Hope

We are proud to share an incredible act of generosity from Mears’ valued fleet supplier, LCB VEHICLES LTD., who have gone above and beyond by donating a van free of charge – indefinitely – to support the work of St Andrew’s Hospice.

Louise O’Donnell, Head of Income Generation at St Andrew’s Hospice said: “When we reached out to Kirstie at Mears North Lanarkshire with an urgent SOS as our vehicle had gone off the road unexpectedly, we had no idea it would lead to such fantastic generosity.

“I’m so grateful to Findlay and everyone at LCB Vehicles for their incredible generosity. Their donation of the van will help us with logistics; ensuring all of our fundraising event supplies are transported safely. For example, to Tinto Hill over the next two weeks as many S1 pupils take on the annual climb to raise funds for the Hospice. And to our Midnight Walk in June. Their help in maintaining the vehicle will also help to save costs, which is a huge support, especially in these challenging times.

“This is a wonderful donation, and I can’t thank Findlay and LCB Vehicles enough for doing this to support St Andrew’s Hospice.”

Findlay Bishop, owner of LCB, commented: “We’re honoured to support a request for help from Mears Group PLC on behalf of St Andrew’s Hospice. When their van went off the road with so many fundraising activities already in the diary, we jumped at the chance to help. It’s more than a van, it’s a vehicle for hope.”

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Dove Tales – Spring 2025

Lauren mckenzie — Wed, 14 May 2025 14:52:16 +0000

Dove Tales – Spring 2025

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St Andrew’s Hospice joins national campaign to highlight importance of hospice care

Lauren mckenzie — Tue, 18 Feb 2025 17:24:52 +0000

St Andrew’s Hospice joins national campaign to highlight importance of hospice care

St Andrew’s Hospice is proud to announce the launch of the “This is Hospice Care” campaign, a ground breaking collaboration between 143 hospices across England, Scotland and Wales, brought together by Hospice UK.

Hospices like St Andrew’s Hospice are at the very heart of communities, offering compassionate care and support when we need it most. For many of us, a hospice will touch our lives, whether for ourselves, a loved one, or a friend, providing comfort, dignity, and expert care through life’s most challenging times.

But just as this incredible support wouldn’t exist without hospices across the UK, hospice care wouldn’t exist without you.

Hospices, including St Andrew’s, rely heavily on charitable donations to keep their doors open.

Lorna McCafferty, Trusts, Legacy and Individual Giving Manager at St Andrew’s Hospice told us: “Legacy donations are truly transformative for our hospice. They provide us with the invaluable ability to plan for the future and ensure we can continue to offer exceptional care to our patients and their loved ones.

“Each legacy gift, no matter the size, makes a lasting difference, enabling us to enhance our services, support our staff, and ultimately improve the quality of life for those facing life-limiting illnesses. We are incredibly grateful to those who choose to leave a gift in their will, helping us to provide compassionate care for generations to come. Together, we can make sure that hospice care lives on for all, for now, forever.”

Throughout March, St Andrew’s Hospice runs its annual Make a Will Month campaign.

During this month, participating Solicitors across Lanarkshire waive their fee for writing a basic Will in return for a suggested donation to the hospice.

When you write a Will and keep it up to date, you can feel secure in the knowledge that your wishes will be honoured after you are gone and that the people you care about will be provided for.

If you have an existing Will but would like to leave a gift to St Andrew’s Hospice, you can do this by having a Codicil added to your Will. Find out more here.

For more information about Make a Will Month, including the list of participating solicitors, click here.

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Religious Sisters of Charity bestow future of Hospice to Trustees

Lauren mckenzie — Thu, 19 Dec 2024 15:19:16 +0000

Religious Sisters of Charity bestow future of Hospice to Trustees

The Religious Sisters of Charity (Sisters) founded St. Andrew’s Hospice in 1986 and they have had an integral role within St Andrew’s Hospice for a period of almost 40 years.

Over recent months, the Sisters have decided as part of their longer term strategy to entrust certain aspects of their mission to others. Having notified the Board of Trustees of their decision, the Sisters then initiated and facilitated the transition of the Company (St. Andrew’ s Hospice Lanarkshire) to the current Board of Trustees of St Andrew’s Hospice who they feel are best placed to meet the regulatory needs and operational demands of a modern day healthcare facility.

Stephen Giusti, the Chair of the Board of Trustees, has commented as follows:

“There will always be a deep gratitude to the Sisters for their visionary work in establishing St. Andrew’s Hospice and for their commitment to the development and sustainability of the Hospice over these years.

“This transition will be a significant occasion for St. Andrew’s Hospice in that it marks the end of the active participation of the Sisters in the operation and governance of St Andrew’s Hospice.

“St. Andrew’s Hospice will always be grateful to the Sisters for their dedication and hard work over a considerable number of years without which St. Andrew’s Hospice would not be the exceptional healthcare facility which exists today.”

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Write to your MSP today about the hospice funding crisis in Scotland

Lauren mckenzie — Thu, 21 Nov 2024 11:47:18 +0000

Write to your MSP today about the hospice funding crisis in Scotland

Hospice funding is in crisis. Hospices in Scotland provide dignified care for around 21,000 patients and their families every year, but are struggling enormously. As costs have surged, we are grateful for our communities who keep stepping up to locally to help, but this isn’t enough.

Hospice care is always free. There is now a risk that, for the first time ever, hospices will have to turn people away.

Cutting services is the last thing any of us want to do. It would break our hearts. We promise to do everything we can to avoid that, but we also have to balance the books.

St Andrew’s Hospice is no different and as one of our valuable supporters, we ask for your help to bring a challenge to the Scottish Government that state funding must be made available if our care and services are to be sustainable.

It doesn’t have to be like this. The Scottish Budget is an opportunity for our political parties to forge a new course. Decision-makers can’t let this opportunity to support these vital services pass by.

You can help us by clicking on the link below and using this easy and quick tool to sign a letter to your local MSPs. It takes 30 seconds of your time.

https://action.hospiceuk.org/stand-up-for-scottish-hospices

With the Scottish Government Budget fast approaching on the 4^th December, writing to your local MSPs through the tool will show them how much hospice care matters to you and will really help Hospice leaders challenge the Scottish Government. Scottish Government must understand that something needs to change.

Regards,

Joy Farquharson

Chief Executive
St Andrews Hospice

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Dove Tales – Autumn 2024

Lauren mckenzie — Fri, 15 Nov 2024 16:49:36 +0000

Dove Tales – Autumn 2024

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Letter: Scotland’s hospice CEOs warn sector ‘struggling enormously’

Lauren mckenzie — Fri, 15 Nov 2024 16:36:43 +0000

Letter: Scotland‘s hospice CEOs warn sector ’struggling enormously’

In a letter published in the Herald this week, the heads of 14 hospice charities say they are in the grip of an “insurmountable funding gap.”

Dear Editor

Hospice funding is in crisis. Hospices in Scotland provide dignified care for around 21,000 patients and their families every year, but are struggling enormously.

Hospices are a key part of the health and care system, but we aren’t part of the NHS.

We are charities that rely on generous donations and fundraising to employ thousands of nurses, doctors, physiotherapists, counsellors, and support staff.

When NHS salaries rise, hospices face the extra costs, but aren’t covered by the government pay awards. This is grossly unfair.

This year alone, salaries have risen by 5.5% for NHS clinical and support staff and 10.5% for consultant doctors.

For hospices, matching this is near impossible.

The cost of heating, transport and supplies has soared. From April, the National Insurance hikes alone will add a further £2.5m to hospices’ wage bill.

And the share of NHS funding for hospices is declining. Scottish hospices face an insurmountable funding gap.

Hospice care is always free. There is now a risk that, for the first time ever, hospices will have to turn people away.

Cutting services is the last thing any of us want to do. It would break our hearts. We promise to do everything we can to avoid that, but we also have to balance the books.

It doesn’t have to be like this. The Scottish budget is an opportunity for our political parties to forge a new course.

Hospices are the core of palliative care, not just a place people go to die.

Our dedicated staff work in hospices, in patients’ homes, NHS hospitals and other care settings. They help people live for whatever time they have remaining.

They provide specialist education and training to NHS colleagues. They prevent many people being admitted to hospital, and help others to die with dignity in their home or a hospice.

They support families in grief and help them recover.

Supporting hospices is not only the right thing to do for patients and families; it is the right thing to do for the health care system. Hospice care reduces pressure on our overstretched NHS.

As people live longer, Scotland will need more hospice care.

With sustainable hospice funding, people’s experience of death and dying in Scotland could be transformed. The Scottish Parliament can help us do that.

Ahead of the Scottish Government Budget in December, we are urgently calling for cross-party consensus on sustainable hospice funding, so care at the end of life is as it should be and everyone has access to palliative care where and when they need it.

Decision-makers can’t let this opportunity to support these vital services pass by.

Jacki Smart, Chief Executive, Accord Hospice
Sister Rita Dawson MBE, Chief Executive, St Margaret’s Hospice of Scotland
Gordon McHugh, Chief Executive, Kilbryde Hospice
Tracy Flynn, Chief Executive, Ayrshire Hospice
Rami Okasha, Chief Executive, CHAS
Gillian Green, Chief Executive, St Vincent’s Hospice
Joy Farquharson, Chief Executive, St Andrew’s Hospice
Mags McCarthy, Chief Executive, Strathcarron Hospice
Jackie Stone, Chief Executive, St Columba’s Hospice
Graham Gardiner, Chief Executive, Ardgowan Hospice
Carol Somerville, Chief Executive, Bethesda Hospice
Libby Milton and Amy Dalrymple, Associate Directors, Marie Curie Scotland
Rhona Baillie, Chief Executive, Prince and Princess of Wales Hospice
Kenny Steele, Chief Executive, Highland Hospice

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