Families who rely on Claire House Children's Hospice in West Derby have expressed relief and gratitude after Liverpool City Council approved plans to expand the site into a round-the-clock service. The hospice, located on Honey's Green Lane, will now offer overnight respite, private suites for end-of-life care, and therapeutic spaces including a hydrotherapy pool.
Expansion to Address Distance Barrier
The former Carmelite Monastery site was acquired in 2017, and minor refurbishments allowed for daycare facilities. However, many families faced long journeys to the charity's Wirral hospice. The expansion aims to bring care closer to home for Liverpool families.
Amelia Christie, whose son Oliver has hypoplastic left heart syndrome, said: “Claire House is the family that we never knew we needed until we were introduced to them at the 20-week scan.” She highlighted how the hospice helped translate medical jargon and provided a plan A, B, C, and even Z for her family.
Overnight Respite and Family Support
The development includes bedrooms for overnight respite and private suites for families to spend time with their child after death. Therapeutic spaces and emotional support services will also be available.
Amelia described how Oliver recently stayed for two nights of respite: “He cried, he didn’t want to leave. I just feel so much more relaxed... I wasn’t mum. I was Amelia again.”
Chief Executive's Vision
David Pastor, chief executive of Claire House, which cares for 500 babies, children, young people, and families annually, said: “It’s such a relief... our dream can become a reality.” He noted that planning permission was secured after a long journey since 2014, with outline planning in 2018 and delays due to the pandemic.
Construction is expected to begin in January 2027, with a target opening in 2029. Pastor added that the charity has saved £10 million and needs to raise another £13 million to complete the project.
Community Support
Jill Jones, mother of four-year-old Joshy Farrell, said the hospice's proximity—15 minutes from home and next to Alder Hey—provides crucial reassurance. “Any temperature means a 48-hour hospital stay for Joshy... Liverpool gets behind everything, I know we can make this happen.”
Karen Roberts, whose son Dylan has cerebral palsy, travels from Southport to the Wirral site for respite four times a year. She said: “It refreshes us and gives me time to spend with the other children... He really loves the staff and the care he gets.”
