A leading children’s hospice doctor has challenged one of the biggest misconceptions about hospice care as part of Children’s Hospice Week 2026.
Dr Michelle Hills, Chief Medical Officer at Martin House Children’s Hospice, says many people wrongly believe hospices are only places where children go to die, when in reality, most hospice care is about helping families make precious memories together.
Children’s Hospice Week (15-22 June) is organised by Together for Short Lives and this year’s theme is “Join us on a journey to precious moments”.
Dr Michelle, a specialist consultant in paediatric palliative medicine and author of upcoming book ‘The Wrong Order of Things’, says the theme perfectly reflects what children’s hospices are truly about.
“People often think children’s hospices are only about death, but the reality is very different,” she said.
“Yes, all the children referred to Martin House have complex medical conditions and sadly many are expected to die young, but the vast majority of hospice time is about living – about joy, laughter, comfort and making happy memories together.”
At Martin House, children and families spend time baking cakes, recording music, playing games, watching films, exploring sensory spaces and relaxing in the gardens.
“It’s a place of animal visits and pantomimes, bubbles and slime, Xboxes and Uno,” Dr Michelle said.
“Children paint giant pictures, feel sand running through their fingers and experience things they may never otherwise get the opportunity to do. Families often describe it as a family holiday with medical support when needed.”
Martin House recently completed THE BUILD – a £21.9m redevelopment project designed to safeguard the future of children’s palliative care across Yorkshire.
The transformed hospice now includes a new hydrotherapy pool, immersive sensory room, recording studio, enhanced clinical spaces and a new Education Centre.
Dr Michelle explained that some children stay at Martin House simply for short breaks and symptom management, helping them return home feeling more comfortable and able to enjoy everyday life.
“Hospices are most definitely about living and about children being children. Some do come to the hospice because they are dying, but it is just one part of what we do,” she said.
“Even then, we still focus on making moments count – reading stories, arranging special visits, supporting siblings to play and helping families spend precious time together.”
Every year, Martin House supports more than 550 children and young people with life-shortening conditions, and around 200 bereaved family members, across West, North and East Yorkshire.
Dr Michelle added: “End of life may have one end, but hospices make sure we focus on the powerful, beautiful life that comes first – however long that life may be.”
To find out more about Martin House and how you can support the hospice, visit: www.martinhouse.org.uk
