Being told your child has a life-limiting condition or complex medical health needs is frightening and confusing for families.

Haven House has supported hundreds of families, who like yours, has been faced with having to deal with the news that your child will not have the life you expected. 

We are here to help you at every stage of your child's journey and we tailor our support to suit your family's needs. We have a dedicated Neonatal Link Sister; click here to read how we can support you and your baby.

If you feel we could support you or a family that you know, please read our Refer a Child web pages.

You are welcome to call our nursing team for confidential advice about referrals to our services. 

To find out how other families benefit from using our services, please visit our Meet Our Families web page.

Assessing your child's needs

When your child is accepted for respite care at Haven House, you will be invited to have a nursing assessment in the Holistic Care Centre with our experienced assessment nurse.

This will be an opportunity for you to discuss all of your child’s needs including everything from medication, feeding and sleeping to seizure management, bathing and dressing.

This care plan helps us get to know your child and understand their needs before their first stay with us. 

Thanks again for all your care. throughout the year. For allowing me to have time off and little breaks, which would not be possible without you.

Mum

Staying at Haven House

Your child could stay with us for day care or overnight care - you can decide to use this service at any point and are under no pressure to leave your child with us until you feel comfortable.

We understand for some it is a big step to leave your child, as you know them best, which is why we recommend a parent or carer stays on their first visit to help us become familiar with your child and for them to feel comfortable with us. 

During a stay your child will be looked after by a team of healthcare professionals led by one of our experienced nurses. That nurse will take overall responsibility to ensure your child’s care plan is up-to-date, liaise with professionals to ensure we have all relevant medical information and will keep in regular contact with you to offer support and advice if needed. 

Support from our nurses

Our team is made up of trained nurses, healthcare support workers and student nurses on placement. Your child will have their own dedicated carer for the whole shift who will follow their care plan to ensure they are being looked after - just like at home.

We also work closely with the palliative care team at Great Ormond Street Hospital, so if your child is looked after by them, we will ensure we have up-to-date symptom management plans to help us look after your child and keep them comfortable.

Our nurses and healthcare support workers are dedicated to ensuring your child’s stay is happy and comfortable. They see to all their needs whether this is medical such as giving medication, or fun such as reading stories, exploring the sensory garden or having a cuddle on the sofa.

Whatever your child needs we will be there to provide it during their stay as they become part of the Haven House family.

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To discuss a referral to Haven House services please contact:

Clinical Nurse Manager
020 8506 5524 (Monday - Friday, 9.00am - 5.00pm)
07872 198285 (out-of-hours mobile)

For more information about our referral criteria please visit our Refer a Child section.