CLAIRE House has pledged its support for a Merseyside hospice that has announced it is to close at the end of this year.

A statement issued by the trustees at Zoe’s Place Liverpool said the decision to shut its doors at the end of had been made with 'great sadness'. 

In a statement on X (formerly known as Twitter) Claire House said it will offer palliative and end-of-life care to any babies or children currently under the care of Zoe’s Place.

The decision to close comes only nine months before the charity’s lease for its current home on Yew Tree Lane in West Derby ends. The statement added that there was 'insufficient time and money to relocate to a new home elsewhere'.

According to the statement, Zoe's Place had hoped "to build a new hospice near to its current location. However, the time taken to get planning permission has left insufficient time to construct the building.

"In addition, a significant rise in the projected costs and the challenge of raising funding in the current economic climate means there are insufficient funds available."

Joan Stainsby, executive trustee, said: "We are sorry to be sharing such sad news with those who Zoe's Place Liverpool has supported, and our staff and supporters.

"Liverpool was where Zoe’s Place originated and will always be close to our hearts.

"This has been an incredibly difficult decision and one that we have worked tirelessly to avoid. Unfortunately, there are simply no other options available to us." 

Zoë’s Place, which opened at its current location in 1995, supports children and their families who are affected by life-limiting and life-threatening conditions

There are also Zoë’s Place baby hospices in Middlesbrough and Coventry – these are unaffected by the closure decision.

Services offered include short-breaks, often referred to as respite services, palliative and end-of-life care to children aged from birth to five years old.

The charity says it will be working closely with parents to find alternative support.

In a statement on X (formerly known as Twitter), Claire House commented: 'We are deeply saddened by the news about the closure of Zoe’s Place and express our deepest sympathies to all the children, families and staff affected.

"Claire House will offer palliative and end-of-life care to any babies or children currently under the care of Zoe’s Place."

Discussions have been held with Claire House, which also has a children’s hospice in the area, and the local NHS services, to establish alternative options for the children and parents using the hospice currently.