Comment: An ill-conceived scheme came at a bad time
There are many issues which grab the interest of our readers, and some which make them very angry.
One of the most controversial this year is the decision by St Peter's Hospice to close its Knowle facility.
Many people – from those who have raised funds to those whose loved ones have been looked after at Knowle – have expressed their dismay at the closure.
Now no one would argue that times have been hard in all sectors of the community, and when money is tight, charities always suffer.
So while the decision may be unpopular, it would be unfair not to consider the views of chief executive Sandie Foxall-Smith and her team.
What is more difficult to take, at a time like this, is the decision to invest thousands of pounds to replace signs on the shops.
The familiar St Peter's Hospice shopfront, with blue writing on a white background is being replaced by… white writing on a blue background.
The charity had been due to spend around £43,000 on this work but has now suspended the operation, having completed work at around a third of the shops.
It hardly seems plausible that removing familiar signs and replacing them with a fairly drab rehash of the same words will make any difference.
This was an ill-conceived scheme at a hefty cost, planned at a time when a much-loved hospice was being earmarked for closure.
The many supporters and families who have been involved with the hospice over the years will rightly feel aggrieved – and who could blame them?
Comments
by gary hopkins, Knowle
Saturday, October 17 2009, 12:49PM
“St. Peter's hospice has for many years been probably the best loved institution in South Bristol.So many people have been helped by it or know someone who has.
It is all the more comcerning then to have that wonderful reputation damaged by crass attitude and management.
The Knowle building had difficuilties and in time would have needed to close but this should have been done sensitively and over time and with discussion with all those who have a stake.
A transition then could have been arranged with ,for example new facilities in the new South Bristol hospital.
Early approaches had been made by trustees but these were then cut off without explanation.
Perhaps the loss of nearly £1 million on the stock market last year was the major factor.
A huge sum for a small and much loved charity to lose.
Efforts are being made by the city council and the PCT to provide the much needed residential facility in the South of the city.Lets hope that this time offers of help are not thrown back.”