Marie Curie said it was “continuing to work through our options” after more than 200 people took part in a protest against the end-of-life charity’s decision to temporarily close a hospice to inpatients. 

Marie Curie paused admissions in July to its 26-bed hospice inpatient unit in Woolton, Liverpool, due to workforce issues, the charity said.

More than 200 people took part in a protest against the temporary closure of the unit over the weekend. 

Marie Curie said it had been working through its workforce issues and had also been reviewing the broader health and social care system in Liverpool.

“No decision has yet been made about the long-term future of the inpatient unit and we are continuing to work through our options,” a spokesperson for Marie Curie said.

“As soon as we have a decision, staff will be the first to know.

“We are hugely grateful to our existing staff and volunteers who are working hard with us to maintain these vital services for local people at what is a challenging time. 

“We respect the fact that staff and supporters may hold a range of views about the future of the inpatient unit.”

The charity said it recognised this was a difficult time for the local community and appreciated their patience.

Marie Curie said all its other services in Liverpool were continuing as usual. 

“We have developed new ways of delivering care to meet the needs of local people, including a new rapid response service and ‘virtual ward’ scheme, which sees our specialist teams continue to provide expert care and support in people’s homes,” the spokesperson said.

Maria Eagle, minister for defence procurement and the Labour MP for Liverpool Garston, said she was concerned about the future of the unit following a meeting with Marie Curie national management on 14 February.

“They assured me that they are fundamentally committed to providing palliative care services in Liverpool now and in the future,” she said.

“They told me they are considering all options when it comes to the Woolton hospice and that includes not reopening the inpatient services.

“I am now concerned about the future of inpatient care there.”

Marie Curie said it discussed some of the challenges to delivering accessible and high-quality care from the hospice building during its meeting with Eagle.

“For example, the need for significant investment in improvements to the condition of the building and in practical adjustments to the clinical environment to meet future patient needs,” the charity’s spokesperson said.

“We highlighted the financial challenges facing Marie Curie, and the urgent need for long-term, sustainable funding and support.”

Marie Curie said it also needed to consider the need to better support people who miss out on care, who tend to be those that are already disadvantaged in the local community.

“We restated our commitment to finding a sustainable solution that will allow us to continue serving the people of Liverpool with the compassion and excellence that defines our work.”