A hospice care facility that temporarily closed due to lack of staff is set to reopen at the end of June.
Peace Hospice Care said it made the “difficult decision” to shut its inpatient unit in Watford in February because staffing levels were too low for the unit to be able to operate safely.
The hospice cited a shortage of qualified nurses in the UK.
The unit, which admits patients for a short while before they return home, is due to reopen towards the end of June, a spokesperson for Peace Hospice Care told the Observer.
In a statement, Peace Hospice Care said: “In February, in line with the national shortage of qualified nurses in the UK, the vacant number of inpatient unit (IPU) staff nurses at Peace Hospice Care rose above 50 per cent of the establishment required to ensure the unit was able to operate safely.
“Our executive team, along with support from the board of trustees, made the difficult decision to temporarily close the unit.
“Our IPU staff have been seconded to work in the palliative response team and rapid personalised care service – the clinical services that we provide in the community.
“During this time Peace Hospice Care have been in regular communication with the Clinical Commissioning Group, Central London Community Health, West Hertfordshire Hospital Trust, and our two hospice partners. All have been extremely supportive and understanding of the situation.
“After much hard work, we are happy to announce the reopening of our IPU department. The proposed date will be towards the end of June 2022.
“We understand how this notice has affected our patients and their families, but we are pleased to finally share the good news regarding the reopening of our inpatient unit.”
The recently refurbished inpatient unit is based within the hospice building in Watford town centre. It offers a mixture of rooms with en-suite bathroom facilities. There is also a lounge and kitchen area for patients and families.
Peace Hospice Care looks after adults diagnosed with life-limiting illnesses such as cancer and motor neurone disease.
The charity recently marked 30 years of caring for the community in south west Hertfordshire.
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