Stories News Our response to Richard House closure Haven House Children’s Hospice is working to ensure continuity of children’s hospice and palliative care for families across North East London following the closure of Richard House Children’s Hospice. We recognise and deeply value the longstanding role Richard House has played in supporting children and families across East London. Its staff and volunteers have provided vital care over many years, and this news will be felt profoundly by families, professionals and communities alike. We stand alongside colleagues across the sector in acknowledging their contribution and are committed to working collaboratively and respectfully during this period of transition. Haven House was asked by Richard House and NHS North East London Integrated Care Board (NEL ICB) to step in to maintain continuity of care across the region. This action ensures that babies, children and young people with life-limiting and life-threatening conditions continue to receive safe, high-quality and compassionate support at a time of uncertainty. Helpline for Richard House Children's Hospice families: Helpline: 020 8506 3761 Email our Family Transition Team Family onboarding Richard House has confirmed that its combined active and dormant caseload is approximately 172 families. Of the 64 families actively receiving care at the point of closure, all were contacted by Richard House to request consent to transfer their care. To date, 57 families have since consented, been welcomed by Haven House and have confirmed their intention to access our services.Immediate support available Haven House is 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, crisis respite care for families experiencing acute stress or breakdown, and step-down admissions for children discharged from hospital who are not yet well enough to return home. Emotional and practical support is also being provided to help families navigate the transition and access the care they need.Haven House has supported seven end-of-life cases in the former Richard House areas, alongside providing over 30 nights of respite care to Richard House families and other services. In addition, a dedicated transport fund has been established, and plans are in place to expand our vehicle fleet to further support families’ access to care. What families can expect 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: [email protected]• 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. “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.” -Haven House spokesperson Haven House encourages any family or professional with concerns or questions to get in touch using the contact details above.