Naomi House reopens following Covid-19 closure

As the Covid-19 lockdown began, the region’s hospices for children and young adults, Naomi House & Jacksplace, temporarily suspended respite care and instead offered up 6 staffed beds to Hampshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. Adults from neighbouring hospitals were admitted to Jacksplace to be cared for by our skilled nursing and care team, so leaving the NHS better able to address the immediate challenge with Coronavirus.

With most indications suggesting the Covid-19 peak is now passed and the NHS less likely to be overwhelmed, Naomi House children’s hospice will reopen to provide funded respite care for the region’s life-limited children. Initially, we will offer emergency respite to families, taking in the South’s most medically vulnerable children to assist families in times of crisis. Jacksplace will close temporarily to allow extensive maintenance work to take place.

Our Chief Executive, Mark Smith, said: “We can be extremely proud of the part we have played in helping the NHS cope during the Covid-19 crisis but now, as all signs point to the peak having been passed, we can turn our attention back to our core mission and supporting life limited children from across the south. While this isn’t business as usual and it may be some time until we open fully for planned respite, it is an important step towards once again providing the full and comprehensive service that local families so desperately need.”

We care for more than 500 families across the south, and our family support team have stayed connected with them throughout lockdown. We have delivered a raft of virtual services, from social work and bereavement counselling to sibling support and play therapy. We continue to offer end of life care for children and young adults at the hospices.

Please considering supporting Naomi House & Jacksplace as we support local families through this crisis by donating today.