Virtual hospice planned by parents after east London hospice closes

Families in east London say they will set up a 'virtual hospice' to provide home-based care after Richard House in Newham closed on 18 December.

Families in east London report they are organising a new service after the closure of a local children's hospice. Richard House in Newham closed on 18 December despite a campaign by parents to keep it open. Parents are working with former Richard House chief executive Paul Richards to establish East London Hospice, described as a "virtual hospice" to provide care in families' homes. Some families say they have been advised to use Haven House in Woodford, but that it is distant and does not meet all needs. Key facts: - Richard House in Newham closed on 18 December, leaving local families without that facility. - Parents, together with former chief executive Paul Richards, plan to establish East London Hospice as a home-based or "virtual" service. - Families report the closure removed a local safety net for emergency respite and end-of-life care support. - Some families have been directed to Haven House in Woodford, about 10 miles away, and say it does not meet all children's needs. - Health Secretary Wes Streeting said the NHS and the wider hospice community had arranged alternative care and noted recent government hospice funding. Summary: The closure has left some families seeking alternative local support while parents move to create a virtual hospice to deliver tailored home care. Exact timelines and operational details for the new service are undetermined at this time.