The UK is set to get its first LGBTQ+-dedicated hospice. (Getty Images)
The UK is set to get its “first dedicated hospice for LGBTQ+ people” in East Sussex, which is set to be a “landmark development” for the community.
The Sussex Beacon, a Brighton-based charity supporting those living with HIV, has announced it is set to become the UK’s first-ever dedicated hospice for the queer community in Sussex.
Set to be delivered with support from the NHS, The Sussex Beacon’s hospice will be providing “inclusive palliative care” with a specialist focus on HIV care. It also positions itself as “a national resource, helping other hospices improve their services for LGBTQ+ patients”, CEO Rachel Brett said in a press release.
A 2023 “I Just Want to Be Me” report from Hospice UK found that trans and gender-diverse people often find healthcare unwelcoming, due to being subjected to “confusion over identity and instances of poor care”.
“The Sussex Beacon is uniquely placed to change that,” Brett added.
NHS Sussex has supported the announcement, with deputy chief medical officer Dr Amy Dissanayake adding: “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.”
“We look forward to continuing to work with the team at The Sussex Beacon to make this a reality for our population.”
A Q&A about the development on The Sussex Beacon website adds that while its “community-based services will remain, supporting individuals living with HIV,” it will also ensure patients can be referred or signposted to other specialists.
MP for Brighton Kemptown and Peacehaven, Chris Ward, added: “The Beacon has a proud place in the heart of the local community.
“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.”
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