Hospice care
This guide explains how hospice care works, how to access it, and how the NHS supports both adult and children’s hospices across north east London.
What is hospice care?
Hospices provide specialist support for people with incurable and life‑limiting conditions, aiming to improve quality of life through medical, emotional, social, and spiritual support. It is holistic care, supporting both the individual and their family.
People receive care:
- At home
- In a hospice
- As a day patient
- In a care home
- As an inpatient for symptom control or respite care
How hospice care works with the NHS
Hospices are independent charities, that receive some funding from the NHS. There are rules around the level of funding the NHS can provide and NHS North East London currently funds these local hospices to provide holistic end of life care.
- Haven House Hospice in Woodford Green is a children’s hospice.
- St Joseph’s Hospice in Hackney is an adult hospice.
- Saint Francis Hospice in Romford is an adult hospice.
Hospices work closely with the NHS including with people’s GPs, hospital nurses and doctors to ensure joined up care at all times.
How to get hospice care
Accessing hospice care is straightforward and usually begins with a healthcare referral. Hospice care is available to people with life‑limiting or incurable illness at any stage, not only the very end of life.
- Speak to Your GP, consultant, or community nurse
Most people access hospice care through a referral from a healthcare professional, such as:
- Your GP
- A hospital consultant
- A district nurse or community nurse
These professionals assess your needs, discuss the type of support required, and make the referral to the appropriate hospice service.
- Hospice Team Assessment
After a referral, the hospice team will:
- Review your medical needs
- Assess symptoms
- Consider emotional, social, psychological, and spiritual support needs
- Discuss your and your family’s preferences and wishes
This holistic assessment shapes a personalised care plan. Hospice care focuses on dignity, comfort, and quality of life.
- Choose a care setting
Hospice care can be delivered in several settings depending on your needs:
- At home – most hospice care takes place at home, supported by visiting hospice nurses, community teams, and NHS palliative care services.
- In a hospice – you may stay in the hospice for symptom control, respite, or end‑of‑life care. Hospices aim to provide a calm, homely environment and specialist support.
- In a care home – some care homes provide hospice‑level end‑of‑life care with trained staff.
- In hospital- if you are already in hospital, end of life care teams can work with the hospice to coordinate ongoing care.
- Check for NHS Continuing Healthcare
If you choose hospice care at home, in a care home, or in a hospice, you may be eligible for NHS Continuing Healthcare, which is a package of care fully funded by the NHS for adults with certain health needs. Talk to your healthcare team.
- Direct enquiry to a hospice
You or your family can also contact a hospice directly.
Most hospices will:
- Answer questions
- Explain services
- Provide a tour
- Talk through what to expect
Hospices generally still require a healthcare referral, but they welcome enquiries at any stage.
Key things to remember
- Hospice care is free for those who need it.
- You do not have to be in the final days of life to access hospice support.
- It focuses on comfort, dignity, symptom relief, and family support.
- NHS and hospice teams work closely together to provide coordinated care.
Children and families who were receiving care at the now closed Richard House Hospice in Newham can access their care at Haven House Hospice. You can find information here and contact their transition team.
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