Families Launch Virtual Hospice After Closure

Families in east London are establishing a new hospice service to care for seriously ill children after the closure of Richard House. The facility in Newham ceased operations on December 18, prompting parents to seek alternative solutions.

In collaboration with former Richard House chief executive Paul Richards, a plan is underway to launch East London Hospice. This innovative "virtual hospice" model aims to provide care directly in families' homes, offering a potentially more sustainable approach than a traditional building.

The closure left a void for families like Kareema Motala's, whose son Jaden has a rare life-limiting condition. She highlighted the loss of a critical safety net for respite and end-of-life care. Other families have been directed to Haven House Children's Hospice, located about 10 miles away, but report it does not fully meet their children's specific needs.

Parents have appealed for intervention from Health Secretary Wes Streeting. He acknowledged the swift establishment of alternative care arrangements by the NHS and hospice community, thanking Haven House for their efforts. He also mentioned government funding for hospice improvements and the Children's Hospice Grant. The new virtual hospice is intended to provide more bespoke and tailored support, addressing the unmet needs identified by parents.