November 2024 update – Sale of Lansdowne House

In the summer we shared a brief on the planned sale of the building.  We know the building is important to many of you – as it is to our staff who are incredibly committed to their work supporting our local communities.

The Board explored all options and reluctantly came to the decision that sale of the site provides the best route to maintain and develop the fullest and best quality clinical services for the residents of the whole borough of Hillingdon. 

This update provides answers to the key questions we have heard.

Has the building already been sold?

No – the process is still underway and meanwhile all services continue ‘as is’ at the site.  We will keep you posted as the sale progresses.

Why is the building being sold?

For a number of years the building at Lansdowne has been quite substantially under occupied.  We have sought to address this with partners – but no route to filling the building has been identified. As previously shared the Hospice has explored the development of Lansdowne House into a bedded unit but this is not possible due to planning restrictions. Therefore, the cost of maintaining the underused building is no longer affordable. 

Does the sale mean Harlington Hospice will no longer support people?

No.  Harlington Hospice will continue to provide a wide range of support to local people, their families and loved ones.  Our services including our highly valued inpatient unit at Michael Sobell House on the Mount Vernon site, are available to all Hillingdon residents.  It is worth noting that whilst our services at our sites are important, we also provide support to people in their own homes via our Hospice at Home service. These services will not be impacted.

What will funds from the sale be used for?

Funding released from the sale will enable the continuation and development of our clinical services.  You may have seen recent national press describing the pressures the whole hospice sector is in, as costs increase, statutory funding is difficult to secure and against a backdrop of cost of living pressures, fundraising is harder.  Funds from the sale will enable us to mitigate these pressures and continue to deliver high quality care.

What about access to services for people in the south of the borough?

Relocation of the hospice’s much needed services based at Lansdowne House will take into account access for patients, clients and family members in the south of the Borough. The services delivered at the site are Lymphoedema and therapies including bereavement support.  We are exploring alternative locations where these services can be based however firmer plans are only possible once we have a timeline for sale/relocation.  We are also engaging with staff working in the south of the Borough to ensure we retain our excellent team members through these changes.    

Steve Curry and Jane Wheeler – Chief Executive (job share)