Sussex Beacon hospice to become ‘first for LGBTQ+ people in UK’

The initiative is being supported by the NHS.

Dr Amy Dissanayake, deputy chief medical officer, said NHS Sussex were delighted to be working with the hospice.

“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,” she said.

Ms Brett said charitable funding remained important for the hospice’s long-term sustainability.

It follows the closure of its 10-bed inpatient care unit to focus on community care earlier this year.

Chris Ward, MP for Brighton Kemptown and Peacehaven, said: “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.”