Chase Hospice has not ruled out job losses amidst detailed merger talks with Shooting Star Children’s hospice.

The two children’s hospices, whose services currently overlap across South West London and North Surrey, entered detailed merger discussions last week which they hope to conclude in autumn this year.

A spokesperson for Chase told Civil Society that while there should be “no short-term impact on any roles in either charity...If a merger is agreed there may be a need to change some roles and structures in order to operate as efficiently as possible”.

The spokesperson advised that the merger talks have begun in order to “ensure our care services are financially sustainable” as well as to provide better service for their users.

“It costs £4m a year to maintain the Chase service,” said the spokesperson.

“We receive minimal government funding and rely mainly on donations to run our vital service.  As one charity Shooting Star and Chase would have a higher profile which should present greater opportunities for fundraising and other funding. We also believe a merger would result in more efficient use of resources.”

The charities will include leadership announcements within the next stage of the merger process, if an agreement is met.