Hospice care for children

What is it?

Children's hospices provide respite and terminal care for children suffering from life-limiting conditions in a home-from-home environment. Care is provided for the child and their family at no cost to them for as long as is necessary, including post bereavement support.

Who is it for?

Hospice care is for children, up to the age of 18 who have long-term and terminal illnesses.

Who provides this service?

This service is externally provided. There are a small number of Children's Hospices in the close region:

• Francis House, Rainbow Family Trust, 390 Parrswood Road, Didsbury, Manchester M20 5NA. Tel: 0161 434 4118 (for ages 0-16)
• Derian House, Chancery Road, Chorley, Lancashire PR7 1DH. Tel: 01257 233300 (for ages 0-19)

There are also projects supporting children and families at home, with life-limiting and life-threatening conditions:

The Dragonfly Project
2nd Floor
The Treehouse Children's Centre
Stepping Hill Hospital
Poplar Grove
Hazel Grove
Stockport
SK2 7JE

Tel: 0161 419 2133 (for ages 0-18)

The Butterfly Project
39-41 Wilson Patten Street
Warrington
Cheshre
WA1 1PG

Tel: 01925 655 863

How do I apply?

Hospices like these can be contacted directly by the public. Francis House is a charitable trust and they attempt to provide some care services to everyone who approaches them for help. Joint Council and health services such as the Sargent Cancer Care team, based at Christie's Hospital can and do recommend hospice care as an option.