Naomi House & Jacksplace, who provide; respite, emergency and end of life care to life limited children had to temporarily suspend its normal routine of respite care over the past few weeks due to the COVID-19 outbreak and instead offered 6 staffed beds to Hampshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.
“Adults from neighbouring hospitals were admitted to Jacksplace to be cared for by the charity’s skilled nursing and care team, so leaving the NHS better able to address the immediate challenge with Coronavirus.“
With most indications suggesting the Covid-19 peak is now passed and the NHS less likely to be overwhelmed, Naomi House children’s hospice will reopen to provide funded respite care for the region’s life-limited children.
Naomi House and Jacksplace marketing manager Keith Wilson told Andover Radio“Initially, the charity will offer emergency respite to families, taking in the south’s most medically vulnerable children to assist families in times of crisis.” at Naomi House, where as due to much needed maintenance works taking place, Jackplace will remain temporarily closed.
Mark Smith, Chief Executive of Naomi House & Jacksplace said:
“We can be extremely proud of the part we have played in helping the NHS cope during the Covid-19 crisis but now, as all signs point to the peak having been passed, we can turn our attention back to our core mission and supporting life limited children from across the south. While this isn’t business as usual and it may be some time until we open fully for planned respite, it is an important step towards once again providing the full and comprehensive service that local families so desperately need.”
Naomi House & Jacksplace cares for more than 500 families across the south, and the charity’s family support team have stayed connected with them throughout lockdown. They have delivered a raft of virtual services, from social work and bereavement counselling to sibling support and play therapy. The charity continues to offer end of life care for children and young adults at the hospices near Winchester.
Naomi House & Jacksplace supports hundreds of life limited children, young adults and their families from across Berkshire, Dorset, Hampshire, Wiltshire, the Isle of Wight and beyond. The charity employs 180 staff and needs to raise in excess of £9.2 million each year to provide a comprehensive service on good days, difficult days and last days.”
The charity relies heavily on fundraising through, events, charity shops, and community support to keep providing a much needed service to children and their families free of charge. With everything being cancelled, this has had a huge impact on the local charity who are now struggling without much financial support.
For more information on the charity and various ways to support the work at the hospices now and into the future, visit www.naomihouse.org.uk
