Northern Ireland Hospice

About Northern Ireland Hospice

NI Hospice goes beyond expectations. We specialise in offering palliative care to enhance the quality of life and provide solace for babies, children, and adults facing life-limiting and life-threatening illnesses.

In 2023 we cared for more that 4,000 patients and their families.

Adult services
For adults, we have our dedicated In-Patient Unit, Somerton House, and extend our care into the community, serving homes across Northern Ireland. Somerton House is a modern and inviting space designed for patients with specific palliative needs, featuring 18 private patient rooms. Our diverse team of specialists works together to help patients live comfortably while managing complex symptoms, as well as addressing any unresolved social, emotional, and spiritual concerns as they near the end of life. At the Hospice, we view family and friends as essential partners in care, aiding in the adjustment process both before and after bereavement. When patients leave Somerton House to return home, we provide them with a tailored comprehensive care plan designed to meet their individual needs.

Community Services
In our Community Services, we have seven teams of Specialist Community Nurses spread throughout Northern Ireland. These nursing teams work closely with GPs and District Nurses to identify each individual’s needs and create personalised care plans. Our Hospice at Home Service provides one-on-one nursing care during the day, evening, or night, allowing family members to take a break and tend to their own well-being.

Children’s Services
Our Children’s Services set us apart as the sole Children’s Hospice in Northern Ireland. We offer specialised palliative care for children of all ages facing life-limiting illnesses. Caring for a seriously ill child can be incredibly challenging and isolating, making our Hospice services a crucial lifeline for many local families. Horizon House, our Children’s In-Patient Unit, provides families with Supported Short Breaks, offering them precious time together without the constant worry and stress of clinical care. We also extend care into the family home, providing parents with support, medical guidance, and hands-on care, enabling them to do the simple things that many take for granted, like taking a shower. Our specialist team is there every day to support parents facing the unimaginable—the loss of their child—and we continue to offer support in the months and years following their bereavement.

Education Services
We also take pride in our Education Programmes, offering world class, expert training in adults and children’s palliative care. We provide education for healthcare professionals both before and after registration, covering the entire human lifespan—from pre-birth, infancy, and childhood to the care of adults and older individuals.