Many 'hoping for a miracle' as Liverpool baby hospice Zoe's Place set to close
People are 'devastated' and 'heartbroken' after Liverpool baby hospice Zoe's Place announced it is to close down. Zoe's Place, based in Yew Tree Lane in West Derby, provides respite, palliative and end-of-life care for babies and children aged between nought and five-years-old and their families.
Prof Jack Scarisbrick, who founded the hospice in 1995, identified that many babies and infants with life-limiting or life-threatening conditions and their families were in need of specialist facilities where children could receive respite or palliative care. The name Zoe’s Place was chosen since "Zoe" is the Greek word meaning "gift of life".
In a shock announcement today, the hospice said: "It is with great sadness that Zoe’s Place trustees have to announce that their Liverpool hospice will close at the end of 2024. With only nine months before the charity’s lease for Yew Tree Lane ends, there is insufficient time and money to relocate to a new home elsewhere."
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Zoe’s Place had hoped to build a new £3.5m hospice close to its current location in West Derby. In September, a planning application for the former bowling green and Victorian villa at Hayman’s Green was approved by members of the city council’s planning committee, which came after a huge sum of money was raised to pay for the new facility.
However, due to escalating costs and 'the challenge of raising funding in the current economic climate' there was insufficient funds to continue the project. 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."
People across Merseyside, many of who have received support from the hospice over the years, are heartbroken by the news. Commenting on the ECHO's Facebook post, Sue Elliott said: "That's heartbreaking such sad news about an amazing place hope a miracle happens and someone steps in and helps it to remain open, sending love and prayers to all the lovely staff and babies and children."
Michelle Di Maia added: "Aww that's so heartbreaking. Feel for the families and dedicated, compassionate staff. It takes a special someone to do such an amazing role. This should not be happening, these things always affect those people who need the most support in our communities."
Donna Blakemore said: "Absolutely heartbreaking. Zoe’s place is a godsend for so many families. Gutted for all the staff. Their dedication is amazing."