The Sussex Beacon, based in Brighton, will serve patients regardless of HIV status while continuing its long-standing work supporting people living with HIV.
The centre was established during the AIDS crisis as a place of care and safety for people dying from AIDS-related illnesses or living with HIV.
Rachel Brett, chief executive of The Sussex Beacon, said: “We are enormously excited by what will become a new chapter for The Sussex Beacon.
“The LGBTQ+ community built The Beacon, and now we will be giving it back, stronger and more inclusive than ever.
“It was originally founded to offer care in a safe, accepting space for people dying with AIDS-related illnesses.
“Thanks to advances in HIV treatment, our focus has moved to ensure that people across local communities are getting the help and support they need.
“Further to this, we are delighted that we can use the fantastic facility that we have to refresh our offer of hospice care for the LGBTQ+ community.”
The centre will continue to offer its community-based services for people living with HIV, while developing new care options for LGBTQ+ people more broadly.
The move comes as it works with NHS Sussex to expand its community provision.
Dr Amy Dissanayake, deputy chief medical officer at NHS Sussex, said: “We are delighted to be working with The Sussex Beacon as they make this step to enhance the high-quality service they can provide the local community.
“In addition to the hospice care, their experience in providing specialist community care for people living with HIV is invaluable and fully supports our ambition to bring care out of hospitals where possible, and into communities, either in people’s homes directly or in their local neighbourhood at community hubs.
“We look forward to continuing to work with the team at The Sussex Beacon to make this a reality for our population.”
Ms Brett stressed that the centre will remain committed to people living with HIV, and that the new LGBTQ+ hospice model will build on its historic mission rather than replace it.
She said the change was about “honouring our roots” while addressing wider gaps in healthcare.
Research by Hospice UK, including its “I Just Want To Be Me” report, shows that many LGBTQ+ people—especially those who are trans or gender diverse—face exclusion and insensitivity in end-of-life care.
Ms Brett said: “The Sussex Beacon is uniquely placed to change that.
“We will not only provide inclusive palliative care, but also act as a national resource, helping other hospices improve their services for LGBTQ+ patients.”
The transition will require additional funding and community support.
Ms Brett said: “It’s fair to say we need our community behind us now more than ever.
“The next few years will be challenging as we make this transition, but with collective support, we’ll create something truly transformative.”
Chris Ward, MP for Brighton Kemptown and Peacehaven, said: “The Beacon has a proud place in the heart of the local community, and this announcement shows it has a bright future too.
“I’ve spoken with so many service users who said they owed everything to the Beacon, so I’m delighted that this new service model means it can continue to provide excellent HIV services and hospice care across Sussex.”