Campaigners have urged NHS bosses to reinstate a much-loved hospice in south Liverpool after it was confirmed temporary palliative care beds would be kept for an additional six months. It was announced last summer that despite a backlash from campaigners, former staff and service users, Marie Curie would close down its inpatient unit at its site in Woolton.
The hospice, based on Speke Road, housed a 26-bed inpatient unit where people with terminal illnesses are supported and cared for in their final weeks and days, as well as community services and day services. Last year, Marie Curie said its board of trustees took the “difficult decision to permanently close the unit” after the Cheshire and Merseyside Integrated Care Board (ICB), which plans and buys NHS services for the Liverpool region, confirmed it could not provide sustainable, long-term funding above existing arrangements.
Temporary ward extended until April 2027
In January, Marie Curie North West confirmed it would supply more than a dozen staff to operate a temporary ward at Liverpool Heart and Chest Hospital. The ward was slated to operate until October 31. The ECHO has now learned this will be extended until April 1 next year. A spokesperson for NHS Cheshire and Merseyside said this would allow palliative and end-of-life care skills to be strengthened across a wider range of healthcare specialties.
The staff work between the community, Broadgreen and Woolton in what the charity said would allow them to continue to support and care for people in their preferred place. The spokesperson said: “NHS Cheshire and Merseyside remain fully committed to ensuring that specialist palliative and end-of-life care is available to those who need it.
“Working with partners at University Hospitals of Liverpool Group, we have agreed to extend the current contractual arrangements until 1 April 2027. This will provide continuity of care for patients and their families while enabling the trust to further embed clinical policies and protocols, support staff development, and strengthen palliative and end-of-life care skills across a wider range of specialties.
“Our intention is that every person who needs palliative or end-of-life care has equitable access to high-quality support, shaped by what matters most to them, their families and carers.”
Campaigners demand return of Woolton hospice
Members of the Liverpool Hospice Pressure Group have campaigned since the beds were first closed on a temporary basis in 2024, from which they never reopened. This included a large demonstration outside the hospice last February. The group has refused to give up the fight to secure hospice beds. They held their first annual general meeting in January and have lobbied Marie Curie for answers.
Anne Nelson worked as a volunteer for the hospice. She said: “To be perfectly honest we are extremely disappointed with the lack of communication. Maple is temporary, it is a medical model not a hospice which is required. Although the staff are amazing and are working so hard we have a purpose built hospice in Woolton not being used for inpatients which is what it was built for.
“The Liverpool Hospice Pressure Group are still working tirelessly for palliative care to be restored in south Liverpool.”
Yvonne Midghall added: “Give our Woolton Hospice back, give the people a chance to raise funds. The people of Liverpool can turn this around I have no doubt.”
A spokesperson for Marie Curie North West said: “We do not underestimate the strength of feeling in the local community and would like to reassure the people of Liverpool that a range of palliative care services are available to those who need them. This includes the medical, wellbeing and community services that Marie Curie provides from our hospice in Woolton, as well as the recently opened inpatient palliative care ward at Liverpool Heart and Chest Hospital.
“We encourage anyone who needs care for themselves or a loved one to speak to their district nurse or GP, who will make sure they get the right clinical support for their needs. Marie Curie’s free Support Line (0800 090 2309) is also available for practical and emotional support on everything from managing symptoms, to navigating care and bereavement support.”
