For decades, Royal Trinity Hospice has provided care in people’s homes across the southern part of Hammersmith & Fulham, Westminster and Kensington & Chelsea. Since the closure of Pembridge Hospice in 2019, we have also provided hospice inpatient care to these residents, at our state-of-the-art inpatient facility at the hospice in Clapham, with dedicated beds for people living in North West London and access to a full range of holistic hospice services. We believe this has led to improved coordination of care, improved outcomes, and a more joined up experience for the patients that we support in North West London.

Our response to the consultation

Like NHS NW London, we think this arrangement is the right thing for patients in the patch. We approve of the new model of care being proposed in their “Compassionate Care For All” consultation and agree with their preferred Option A in the proposal.

Both options included in the consultation have implications for North West London residents and for Royal Trinity Hospice. We think Option A offers more benefits to residents and have concerns about the operational and long-term viability and sustainability of Option B.

NHS NW London’s analysis shows that whilst re-opening Pembridge Palliative Care Inpatient Unit beds would shorten travel times to residents in the immediate surrounding area, on balance, it would reduce access for other people in NW London. The travel analysis also shows that, with Option A, while access is improved for other NW London residents, those in the immediate area around Pembridge Palliative Care Unit will continue to have levels of access that are as good as or better than pockets of the NWL population elsewhere.

Proud to care

We are passionate about advocating for what is best for all our patients and we are proud to provide specialist palliative and end of life care to people across parts of Hammersmith & Fulham, Westminster and Kensington & Chelsea, where we visit them in their homes, nursing homes, care homes, and care for them in the hospice in Clapham. Patients and their loved ones also have access to a full range of holistic hospice services at Royal Trinity Hospice, such as outpatient and groups, therapies, and bereavement support. All of our services are rated as ‘outstanding’ by the Care Quality Commission.

Have your voice heard

We believe that the new model of care being proposed by NWL is the right approach and would enhance the existing offer to residents. We encourage residents in the area and those professionals we work alongside, to show their support by signing our open letter to the NHS, or responding to the consultation directly.

Please let NHS NW London know that you agree that Option A is the best way forward for people living in North West London. Tell them you are happy with your hospice and help ensure that we can continue supporting your community, wherever they need care, long into the future. 

THE CONSULTATION HAS NOW CLOSED. THANK YOU TO EVERYONE WHO SIGNED OUR OPEN LETTER, WHICH HAS BEEN SUBMITTED AS PART OF THE CONSULTATION RESPONSE FROM ROYAL TRINITY HOSPICE.