Ten members of staff are losing their jobs as part of cost-cutting measures at a cash-strapped charity.

Funding freezes and a decline in donations left Heart of Kent Hospice needing to cut its annual spending by £574,000.

A statement in December revealed the Aylesford facility was starting consultation over possible redundancies.

The Preston Hall hospice has this week revealed 10 staff members will be leaving, either through voluntary or compulsory redundancy. There are currently 128 full-time employees at the hospice.

Full details, including affected departments, when they will be leaving, and the amount of financial savings, have not been made public.

Sarah Pugh, chief executive, said: “All redundancies are regretful, and we are disappointed that we have had to make these changes.

"Throughout this challenging time, our goal has been to minimise the impact on our patients and their families, and we continue to be committed to providing the 566 patients currently in our care, and all our future patients.”

Four staff members whose roles have been made redundant have accepted alternative employment in other areas of the hospice however.

Heart of Kent provides both inpatient and outpatient end of life care, as well as a community nursing team.

The charity now relies on fundraising for £4 out of every £5 it spends, which prompted the launch of its Get Behind campaign, which aims to raise £600,000 this year to continue services.

A spokesman said: “Since December, we’re grateful to the individuals, companies, and community groups who have already given over £60,000 as part of the campaign.”

Those interested in getting involved or who have questions about the cost-cutting measures are welcome to attend a public forum at the hospice’s Monckton Education Centre on Tuesday, February 21 at 6pm.

Members of the leadership team, including Sarah Pugh and Tony Moffatt, chair of trustees, will provide an update of action being taken, and answer questions.

To attend, send your details to ann.bubb@hokh.co.uk before Thursday.