St John’s Hospice brings 24-hour specialist care into homes across Hammersmith & Fulham

Up to 3,000 Hammersmith & Fulham residents could benefit from new 24-hour hospice home care service backed by the NHS.

St John’s Hospice is expanding its renowned Hospice@Home service into Hammersmith & Fulham, bringing 24-hour specialist palliative and end-of-life care directly into people’s homes, a first for the borough.

For more than four decades, St John’s Hospice has provided quality, holistic care for people living with life-limiting illnesses, supporting both patients and their families. Each year, the hospice helps more than 4,500 people across parts of North, West and Central London through a wide range of services, including its Inpatient Unit, Wellbeing Centre, social work and welfare support, bereavement counselling, and community nursing.

Now, with support from the NHS North West London Integrated Care Board (ICB), which is funding 50% of the service, Hospice@Home has been extended to residents of Hammersmith & Fulham. The borough has previously had no dedicated service of this kind, despite growing demand and increasing pressure on NHS services. It is estimated that around 3,000 people locally are currently in need of this level of support.

Dr Lyndsey Williams, Clinical Lead for End of Life Care, NHS North West London ICB said:

 “We are really pleased to thank St John’s Hospice for their unwavering commitment to compassionate care for all. The introduction of Hospice@Home is an important step forward for residents of Hammersmith & Fulham, ensuring more people can receive expert support in the place they call home. St John’s dedication makes a real difference to patients and families across our community, and we are deeply grateful for everything they do.”

St John’s Hospice is currently the only hospice in London providing 24-hour wraparound care in people’s homes. The service gives patients the dignity and freedom to choose how and where they are cared for, allowing them to remain in the comfort and familiarity of their own home.

Last year alone, the hospice delivered nearly 20,000 hours of Hospice@Home care, providing both respite and end-of-life support for patients and families.

Simon James, Chief Executive of St John’s Hospice, said:

“Our Hospice@Home service allows people to receive the same expert, compassionate care of St John’s Hospice — but in the place they most want to be, their own home. It has proven to be a lifeline not only for patients, but also for families who are often exhausted, overwhelmed, and in need of support as they care for a loved one.”

To ensure the service remains sustainable and accessible to everyone who needs it, St John’s Hospice is calling on the support of the local community to help fund the remaining 50% of its ongoing costs.

James added: “With the community’s support, we can ensure that more people in Hammersmith & Fulham can access this vital service and receive care and die in the place they feel most comfortable.”

For more information about Hospice@Home, how to access this support, or to make a donation, please visit www.stjohnshospice.org.uk.