Reacting to the news that Richard House Children’s Hospice is to close at the end of December 2025, Nick Carroll, our chief executive, said:
“This is very sad news for the families of seriously ill children who are being supported by Richard House, as well as the staff who provide them with lifeline care. It will also be really challenging for families who have been cared for by Richard House in the past, as well as the people and organisations who have supported the hospice with funding or by volunteering their time. We are thinking of them all at this difficult moment.
“It is now vital that the children and families currently being supported by Richard House receive the care they need, when and where they need it. Together for Short Lives is committed to working with children’s palliative care services in East London, in hospitals, community and children’s hospice settings, to do whatever we can to help make sure this happens.
“While families should continue to work with their care teams in the first instance, Together for Short Lives’ Family Support Hub is also available to any families who are affected by the news or would like to know more about the support available to them.
“This news shows what a challenging environment children’s hospices are currently working in. Going forward, it is vital that the government uses the opportunity of the new all-age palliative care modern service framework it is developing to put children’s palliative care on a more sustainable footing for the future.
“Only by doing so can we make sure every family receives the support they need, when and where they need it.”
This news shows what a challenging environment children’s hospices are currently working in. Going forward, it is vital that the government uses the opportunity of its new all-age palliative care modern service framework to put children’s palliative care on a more sustainable footing for the future.
Nick Carroll, Chief Executive of Together for Short Lives
Immediate support available
Haven House is now delivering a range of urgent and essential services to support children and families during this period. This includes round-the-clock end-of-life nursing care provided at home, in hospital settings and within the hospice, as well as crisis respite care for families experiencing acute stress or breakdown. The hospice is also offering step-down admissions for children who have been discharged from hospital but are not yet well enough to return home, alongside emotional and practical support to help families navigate the transition and access the care they need.
What families can expect
Families who were previously supported by Richard House will be contacted directly by Haven House in a phased approach, beginning with children who have the most urgent clinical needs. Families do not need to reapply for support, and no child will lose access to hospice care as a result of this transition.
To support families and professionals, Haven House has established dedicated information and contact routes:
- Email: familytransition@havenhouse.org.uk
- Helpline: 020 8506 3761
A phased model for the future
Over the coming months, NEL ICB and Haven House will work together to design a long-term model of children’s hospice care for North East London that is equitable, clinically robust, financially sustainable and responsive to the needs of the region’s diverse communities.
This will include the expansion of therapies, family support services, respite provision and community outreach, ensuring children and families receive the right care, in the right place, at the right time.
Helpline for Richard House Children’s Hospice families:
- Helpline: 020 8506 3761
- Email our Family Transition Team
Haven House encourages any family or professional with concerns or questions to get in touch using the contact details above.
Our priority is to ensure that no child or family is left without support. We are working quickly but safely to stabilise care, communicate clearly with families, and build a long-term hospice model that gives North East London the high-quality services its children deserve.
A spokesperson for Haven House