St Joseph's Hospice in Hackney is intensifying its focus on supporting individuals experiencing homelessness, as highlighted in its annual Quality Account for 2024-25. The report, reviewed by the Health in Hackney Scrutiny Commission on Tuesday 24 June 2025, outlines the hospice's achievements and future priorities, with a significant emphasis on inclusive care pathways.
The hospice's commitment includes developing a multidisciplinary approach to provide timely and effective palliative care for homeless individuals. This involves collaborating with organizations like St Mungo's to map referral processes, identify gaps in care, and train frontline workers in shelters and healthcare services.
Dr Rachel Black, Chief Executive of St Joseph's Hospice, emphasized the importance of meeting the evolving needs of local communities. The Quality Account details the hospice's work in specialist palliative and end-of-life care, noting that just over half of its funding comes from its NHS block contract. The remaining funding relies on charitable legacies, donations, and local fundraising.
Key achievements from the past year include transforming the respite service into a re-enablement and rehabilitation service, improving support for carers, achieving National Advice Quality Standard (AQS) accreditation for its welfare benefits service, and achieving Compassionate Employers status.
Looking ahead, the hospice's new improvement priorities include implementing a pressure ulcer risk assessment tool, reaching people earlier in their illness trajectory, and providing support for Muslim women grieving or caring for a dying loved one.
Councillor Ben Hayhurst, Chair of the Health in Hackney Scrutiny Commission, commended the report's clarity and detail, noting the hospice's valued work in the community. The commission's response letter, dated 13 June, welcomed the hospice's new improvement priorities and acknowledged its progress in reflecting the local communities it serves.