Hospice in the Weald has confirmed the outcome of its consultation on the future of our Children and Young People’s Service. After careful consideration and with deep regret, we have made the decision to close the service.
This has not been an easy decision. Throughout the consultation, we have listened closely to families, colleagues and other healthcare providers, and we are proud of what the service has achieved and the difference it has made. The care provided by the team has been exceptional, and we are grateful to every colleague who has contributed to it.
The Children and Young People’s Service was launched in 2023 as an addition to our long‑standing adult care, offering daytime home visits for respite care sessions, music therapy and memory‑making activities. The team also assists children at school and provides practical and emotional support for families, all of which are deeply valued by those we support. It does not extend to providing inpatient care for those under the age of 18.
Like many hospices, we are facing significant financial pressures. Rising costs and funding that has not kept pace mean we must make responsible choices to safeguard the future of our hospice. Within our current financial reality, we are no longer able to sustain the Children and Young People’s Service, despite the exceptional care the team provides.
Families have been informed of the decision. Over the coming days and weeks, our team will work closely with each family and with system partners to plan safe and compassionate handovers wherever possible.
We know how difficult this news will feel for many people. We remain immensely proud of the care the service has provided, and we are committed to supporting colleagues and families through this transition. By making hard decisions now, we can protect the long‑term sustainability of our hospice and continue to be here for our community for many years to come.
If you have any questions about the decision or our services for Children and Young People, you can contact speakwithus@hospiceintheweald.org.uk.
Today’s announcement comes at a time when hospice funding across the country is under significant strain. Many hospices are being forced to make difficult decisions because successive governments have not ensured that hospice care for adults or children is sustainably funded. We support Hospice UK’s Fair Funding campaign and will continue to advocate for a national solution that recognises the essential role hospices play.
We know that many people reading this update will feel a strong instinct to help. We are deeply grateful for that. Our commitment is to continue being here for patients and families when they need us most, and community support plays a vital part in making that possible.
