Money is being sought to reopen a hospice after a healthcare commissioning body announced they are backing end of life care.

The Michael Sobell Hospice Charity at Mount Vernon Hospital, Northwood, said it could be “business as usual” after Hillingdon Clinical Commissioning Group stated it is recommissioning palliative care.

The statement means the hospice inpatient unit will reopen as soon as “essential” refurbishment work can be completed.

The inpatient service at Mount Vernon Hospital was relocated to the hospital’s cancer centre wards in June last year when “major structural problems” emerged.

Harlington Hospice is in talks with the charity for the role of new provider after East and North Hertfordshire NHS Trust announced its intention to withdraw from hospice care.

Cost estimates to restore the existing building are going to be prepared, at which point the charity will plan for a “longer term strategy”.

Chairman of MSHC Trustees, Rosalind Williams, said: “This is such wonderful news. When the hospice inpatient unit reopens it will be able to provide all the holistic care with which the name Michael Sobell has become associated over the years, coupled with more flexibility and greater choice for our patients. A big thank you to the local community for your campaigning and continued support – over 10,000 voices have been heard.”

For more information about Michael Sobell Hospice Charity, visit www.michaelsobellhospice.co.uk