Early positive impact of Hospice at Home

Thursday 30th Apr 2026

Forest Holme Hospice is already seeing the difference its Hospice at Home service in Poole is making, supporting patients with compassionate, personalised end of life care in the comfort of their own homes.

The service, already established at the Macmillan Unit in Christchurch, has now been extended to Poole and surrounding areas under the care of Forest Holme Hospice. This has been made possible through the generosity of the local community and a partnership with Macmillan Caring Locally.

Since the end of 2025, the service has supported patients and families across Poole, building on the positive impact seen in Christchurch. As it continues to grow, there is a shared hope it will reach even more people across Forest Holme’s catchment, offering compassionate care where it is needed most.

Debbie Waters, Matron for Palliative Care at Forest Holme Hospice and the Macmillan Unit, part of University Hospitals Dorset NHS Foundation Trust, said, “Everyone should have a choice about where they wish to die. For many, what matters most is being at home, surrounded by familiarity, and cared for with respect, comfort and dignity. Over the past few months, we’ve seen just how meaningful this service is for patients and their families.”

Hospice at Home is delivered by a dedicated team working alongside wider care services, offering specialist support day and night throughout the year, so patients can receive high quality care while remaining in the comfort of home, close to those who matter most.

Hannah O’Hare, CEO of Forest Holme Hospice Charity, said, “The charity is proud to contribute £800,000 over two years to support Hospice at Home in Poole. The service is already making a meaningful difference to local families during challenging times. Ongoing community support is vital to sustain and grow this care, so more people can be supported at home.”