THE in-patient unit at Michael Sobell Hospice at Northwood is to be temporarily re-located into two wards at Mount Vernon Hospital.

The decision comes after structural problems with the ageing building emerged.

Despite this, the Michael Sobell Hospice Charity has made funds available to ensure that no patient receiving palliative care at present will be affected.

The day care centre, which is completely funded by the charity, will remain on its existing site.

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The charity will be analysing what can be done over and above what the NHS can afford to provide for end-of-life care. Several options are under review.

A spokesman said: “We all know we are living longer but don’t always have the family support that existed a generation ago.

“At times of illness and when we must make difficult decisions, from pain management to the end-of-life care of loved ones, we all need help both practical and emotional.

“NHS funding will always be under pressure and we believe we can continue to make a huge difference in our community.”