The Hospice supports people in north Essex who have complex care needs that cannot be managed at home. We provide individual care and total support within our beds for people aged over 16 with complex needs due to advanced, progressive or incurable illness.
Set in beautiful grounds in Highwoods, Colchester The Hospice provides homely, quality accommodation in a mix of four-bedded bays and single rooms with en-suite facilities. We have limited facilities for families to stay although we make every effort to accommodate visitors comfortably. Meals are prepared on site, fresh every day and we aim to cater for all dietary requirements.
Admissions to The Hospice are usually for a short period of time for symptom control or to address a specific problem. Problems may be physical in nature, such as pain or nausea, or people may need complex emotional or spiritual support, or respite care. Our aim is to support people to return home as soon as possible with support from our Hospice in the Home service and other health and social care services.
Where appropriate and possible we also provide expert end of life care for those in the last days or weeks of their life. We support the individual, their families, friends and carers through all the smiles and all the tears because we believe in making every memory matter.
We currently have 16 beds available, which sadly is not usually enough to meet current demand, so we will always prioritise admissions based on greatest need. We are keen to increase capacity at The Hospice to 20 beds and will rely heavily on the help and generosity of fundraisers and donors to achieve this. You can help us by making a donation or leaving us a gift in your will.
Take a virtual tour of The Hospice and Joan Tomkins Day Centre - and use your mouse (if using computer) or fingers (if using tablet or mobile) to navigate this 360 degree tour and see the rooms from every angle.
If you're not sure what to expect from a hospice, or you're apprehensive about coming to visit, hopefully our guided tour will help to ease your mind.