A hospice has warned that it faces “difficult choices” after its energy bill more than tripled amid the cost-of-living crisis.

Keeping patients warm and running its equipment now costs North London Hospice, which has sites in Winchmore Hill, Enfield, and Woodside Avenue, Finchley, £450,000.

This bill was just £133,000 only a year ago.

Chief executive Declan Carroll admitted that while there was a plan in place to ensure it can meet the £14 million cost of delivering its services, these were “challenging times”.

He said: “Like everyone, we at North London Hospice are facing increased energy bills.

“We aim to provide the best of life at the end of life, so for us cutting back on heating and electricity simply isn’t an option. 

“We have a plan in place to ensure we can continue to deliver the best of care for our patients, but these are challenging times.”

Amid the cost-of-living crisis, the hospice says that it has suffered a hit to its finances as supporters feel the pinch.

Bambos Charalambous, MP for Enfield Southgate, said: “Hospices like North London Hospice are a vital part of our community.

“They care for people in our community at their most vulnerable, and the support they provide is absolutely essential, not just to those at the end of their lives, but also to their family and friends.

“This support is now at risk as the cost of living crisis deepens.

“As a community, we are reliant on hospices and the incredible services they provide. But they are reliant on us for support too, and they are in desperate need of this support right now as energy costs reach crisis levels.”

North London Hospice has now launched an appeal to help meet these rising costs, designating August as ‘Fund Our Nurses Month’.

This aims to fund every minute of nursing during the month of August through donations.

Catherine West, MP for Hornsey and Wood Green, said: “North London Hospice provides essential support for families in Hornsey and Wood Green at their most difficult times and their resources should be going on care, not crippling energy costs. 

“We owe them a debt of gratitude and I’m proud to back their Fund Our Nurses month appeal.”