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