Commissioned services
We provide specialist care for children with life-threatening and life-limiting conditions, offering specialist palliative care in partnership with local commissioners.
Children and young people experience palliative care differently from adults.
They can require care over much longer periods of time, and the trajectory of their needs is more unpredictable.
Their views are shaped by developmental age, lived experience, and what matters most to them.
At Demelza Hospice Care for Children, we seek to provide services supporting children, and their families, every step - from first diagnosis and for as long as we’re needed. Please get in touch to find out more.
Our services
Demelza is a specialised service, providing palliative care to children with a serious or life-limiting condition from birth up until the age of 18, with transition support up until the age of 25.
Care can be provided in our hospices, in the community or in the home. With over 25 years’ experience working with the NHS, commissioners and local authorities, our services include:
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End of life care
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Symptom management
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Short breaks (respite care)
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Family support and counselling
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Bereavement services
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Community and hospice-based care
Some of our services are funded through commissioning by Integrated Care Boards (ICB’s) or Local Authorities (LA), while others are supported by charitable donations.
Our support
Palliative care for children with life-limiting and life-threatening conditions is an active and total approach to care – and an essential part of the UK’s health system.
This care can last from the point of diagnosis all the way through the child’s life and their death, whenever that may be.
With over 25 years’ experience working within a healthcare setting and a dedicated service development team skilled in partnership working, we are here to support you to fulfil your statutory obligations, providing palliative and end of life care to children and young people with life-threatening conditions in the local community.
Working in partnership
Our services aim to complement NHS Long Term Plan goals and Integrated Care System (ICS) strategies, particularly around personalised care, early intervention, and reducing hospital admissions.
We want to:
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Demonstrate effective use of charitable and public sector partnerships, enhancing NHS capacity and capability.
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Support a community-based care model, aligning with NHS Long Term Plan goals for personalised care and end of life support.
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Reduce hospital admissions by enabling safe, supported care at home or in our hospices.
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Improve patient and family experiences through personalised, compassionate care.
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Build resilience in families, reducing long-term mental health and social care needs.
Find out more
For further information on commissioned services or to contact our team, please email us at careadministration@demelza.org.
Estelle Hudson
Deputy Director of Service Development.
Sharon Godden
Commissioning Partnerships Manager.