London Children's Hospice Closure Forces 136 Sick Children to Travel 10 Miles for Care
Nearly 140 seriously ill children have been relocated to a new healthcare provider following the sudden closure of a vital east London children's hospice. As of late January, 136 children previously supported by Richard House in Newham have been transferred to Haven House Children's Hospice in Woodford Green, creating significant logistical challenges for vulnerable families.
Financial Collapse Leads to Hospice Administration
Richard House, which held the distinction of being London's first children's hospice, was providing care for 172 seriously ill children when it ceased operations on December 17 last year. The closure resulted from deep financial problems that ultimately forced the charity into administration.
In a statement published on the organization's website, joint administrator Adam Stephens explained: "Over the past year, the directors worked diligently to try to secure the charity's future, exploring numerous options to improve its financial position. Unfortunately, despite these extensive efforts, no viable solution could be found to overcome the significant financial challenges facing the hospice."
Expanded Catchment Area Creates Travel Burden
Haven House previously served children in Barking & Dagenham, Havering, Redbridge and Waltham Forest. Following Richard House's closure, Haven House has expanded its catchment area to include Hackney, Newham, and Tower Hamlets, now providing comprehensive care for 325 children and families across northeast London.
The hospice offers a wide range of essential services including respite care, symptom management, emotional and practical family support, dedicated sibling support, therapeutic services, counselling and end-of-life care. The six-bedded facility, situated within acres of woodland, plans to increase its capacity to seven beds early this year.
Travel Costs Covered for Affected Families
One significant challenge facing the integrated care board is the geographical distance between the two facilities. Haven House is located approximately 10 miles from the former Richard House site, creating substantial travel difficulties for families already dealing with the stress of caring for seriously ill children.
According to a newly released council report, the Woodford Green hospice has received permission to purchase two dedicated vehicles to help address transportation needs. The council has also collaborated with Haven House to ensure that "all the additional travel costs for families" will be covered, with funding deployed directly to support affected households.
Charlotte Pomery, the chief strategic commissioning officer for NHS North East London, emphasized: "Our absolute priority is to ensure that children and families across north east London continue to have access to high-quality children's hospice care. We are confident that commissioning Haven House Children's Hospice to provide this care, drawing on their established expertise and commitment to supporting families when they need it most, offers both stability and a positive outcome in a challenging situation."
