A CHILDREN’S hospice has announced a major expansion of a service in which patients are cared for in their homes.

Naomi House Children’s Hospice will launch a community-based respite service for children with life-limiting and life-threatening conditions, starting in Hampshire.

Naomi House already provides emergency and end-of-life care as part of its Hospice at Home service and has run smaller scale community initiatives in the past, but this is the most significant project to date.

The decision was made after families told bosses at the hospice, in Sutton Scotney, that being able to have a high standard of hospice care in their homes would be beneficial.

It is expected that the service will also be offered to families in Wiltshire, Dorset, Berkshire, West Sussex, the Isle of Wight and Surrey, following the launch in Hampshire.

Chris Robinson, chief executive at Naomi House, said: “We know from many families that help in their own home is really practical and helpful. This is the next logical step in our development.

“We want to work with existing local services, be they from the NHS or other delivery agents, and work in partnership and collaboration wherever possible.

“It is an exciting time for Naomi House as we look at a number of ways to further enhance the valuable service we offer children and their families.”

It is hoped that, over time, Naomi House will be able to offer a similar service to teenagers and young adults cared for at Jacksplace.

The hospice will begin setting up the new scheme this financial year by recruiting a dedicated team, and will be working closely with prospective delivery partners such as the NHS and local authorities.