After a troubled 2022, Bluebell Wood is back in business

North Anston-based Bluebell Wood will welcome back children and young people needing respite care on Monday.

The hospice said in June that it would not open again until staffing levels could be assured.

David Wilkin, chair of trustees, said: “We are over the moon to be able to offer clinical respite care again.

“It is one of the most important and valued ways in which we can support families who have children and young adults with life-threatening and life-shortening illnesses. Respite care can literally be a lifeline to families experiencing continual worry, fear and stress.

“The decision to suspend it was made with great sadness and after every effort had been made to prevent it.

“Our priorities will always be a high level of care and safe services with the right level of expertise and the correct staff framework to comply with regulations.

“We had to be pragmatic and put the safety of children and young people first.  

“We are confident we now have the right team in place to give the best possible care and support.”

In the meantime, there have been adjustments throughout the hospice, including autism-friendly muted colour schemes in rooms and app-controlled lighting.

Bluebell Wood continued activities such as sibling support, bereavement counselling, music therapy work, parent groups and wellbeing workshops despite being closed to clinical care.  

Once reopened, it will offer families two overnight stays at the hospice, or community short breaks at home as it begins operations once more.

Emma Doughty, strategic lead for care, said: “The shortage of experts in paediatric palliative care is reflected nationally and is by no means specific to Bluebell Wood.  

“We have been exceptionally fortunate to recruit a number of new nurses, support workers and team leaders to join our hospice team.

“We still have a small number of vacancies and are looking for more nurses and support workers to join us and enable us to expand our services.

“People working in roles such as teaching assistants and adult social care have strong transferable skills which would be so valuable to us.

“I can’t think of a more rewarding place to work.

“While there are times of sadness, many days are filled with love and laughter.”