Grieving Mother Protests Closure of Marie Curie Hospice Unit in Liverpool

A Liverpool hospice unit stayed closed and people protested outside Marie Curie, which supports those with terminal illnesses. Tess Grace’s daughter, Millie, stayed there. Millie was there in her final weeks, and Tess made an urgent request, fearing the unit might not reopen. Tess protested with hundreds of others.

The hospice is on Speke Road in Woolton. The unit closed last summer, angering Tess and many others. Millie stayed there for three weeks.

Millie had bowel cancer, diagnosed in December 2020 when she was only 23. She died in the hospice in October 2021.

Hospice staff met on Monday, helped by Lucy Williams, who used to work there. The ECHO received a statement, stating their commitment to care.

Tess said Millie struggled with her diagnosis, feeling embarrassed about tests due to bowel cancer symptoms, and avoided them initially. Her condition worsened over the year.

Woodlands Hospice was full so Tess convinced Millie to go to Marie Curie, which made a huge difference. Millie felt immense pain, and the hospice was a relief. Doctors understood her feelings and treated her like family; Tess was with her when she died.

After death, a nurse told Tess to sleep with Millie, giving Tess peace. You can’t get that at home or in a hospital.

Tess felt devastated and angry by the closure. The ward is ready for use, so she questions why it is not open.

It is a lovely place, she says, adding that many need its care right now. People feel upset and confused because they don’t know what is happening.

Tess says the protest proves its importance because it matters to people everywhere. You never know when you’ll need it.

Tess never expected Millie to get cancer, stating that none of us can predict the future. She was grateful Millie was there.

Marie Curie responded to the ECHO, citing staffing shortages that impact their nursing care. Patient and staff safety is most important.

They paused unit admissions because they can’t maintain safe staffing levels. They understand it’s a difficult time, and they still help those with illnesses, increasing care at home.

The charity wants to provide needed care so people can spend time with loved ones and have a good end of life. Other Marie Curie services continue. These include outpatient, well-being services, STARs, IMPaCT, and community Services.