- Hospice service
Alexander Devine Children's Hospice Service
Assessment report published 29 October 2026
Contents
Ratings
Our view of the service
At our previous assessment, we rated the service as good using a different methodology. In this assessment, we found that the service remains good.
We inspected Alexander Devine Children’s Hospice Service on 30 and 31 March 2026. At the time of our inspection, all aspects of the service were provided, although the onsite respite care was reduced because of reduced staffing. We found a service that delivered good care and treatment to children and families across Buckinghamshire and Berkshire and the surrounding areas. Children were at the heart of the service. Staff consistently went above and beyond to ensure care was personalised, meaningful and tailored to each child’s individual needs and wishes.
We were provided with numerous examples of staff supporting children and families with flexible children centred care. The service actively fostered opportunities for children and families to build supportive relationships with one another and ensured they could access support flexibly at the point when they needed it.
Care extended to the whole family and families told us about the wrap around care they received. Comprehensive bereavement and family support were embedded into the service model. Leaders had intentionally evolved the provision to move beyond a solely end-of-life focus, developing activities and pathways that supported children and families throughout their journey.
Staff spoke passionately about their roles and demonstrated a strong commitment to the service.
There was a supportive and engaged leadership team, who were developing their capabilities and practice to deliver the service’s new strategy.
People's experience of this service
Families consistently described very positive experiences of the service, highlighting its significant impact on their emotional wellbeing and mental health. The service was seen as a trusted and essential source of support during periods of stress and complex need, helping families cope and feel less isolated.
A strong theme was the sense of safety and trust families felt when their children were in the service’s care. Parents described staff as knowledgeable, attentive and reliable, with clear nursing processes in place. One parent reflected this confidence, saying, “They look after our child like we do.” This reassurance reduced anxiety and helped families feel comfortable placing their child in the hospice’s care.
Access to responsive medical support further strengthened this trust. Families spoke positively about close teamwork between doctors and nurses, and timely responses to concerns. One parent described how a doctor visited their home following a conversation with staff, which made them feel “listened to and emotionally supported.”
Respite care was described as having a profound impact on families’ wellbeing. Several families said the service was the only place where they felt able to leave their child and properly rest. One parent shared, “This is the only place where we can leave our child and we can sleep peacefully.” This opportunity to rest significantly improved mental health and reduced stress.
Families consistently praised the kindness, compassion and empathy of staff. Parents valued being listened to and supported without judgement. Parents said they felt heard and seen and this contributed to reduced anxiety and emotional reassurance.
Care was described as highly personalised and coordinated, with staff demonstrating a strong understanding of each child’s needs. One family explained, “They know how to cover all aspects of his care for me.” Clear communication and consistent handovers also reassured families, with one parent stating, “I still feel I get a consistent handover even though different people support my child.”
Therapeutic activities were widely valued for enhancing children’s emotional wellbeing and quality of life. Families highlighted music therapy, hydrotherapy and play-based activities as both beneficial and enjoyable. One parent said, “Music Therapy is fun and my son loves it,” while another described hydrotherapy as “so enjoyable, the space is safe where my son can have fun.” Play activities were also praised, with one family observing, “It’s not like a hospice – it’s a fun place.”
Families valued the flexibility and responsiveness of the service. Support could be adapted to meet individual needs, with one parent explaining, “If I can’t do the planned time, they will change it so I can attend.” Parents also appreciated being able to quickly access advice, noting, “I can get in touch with a nurse and they respond straight away.”
The service was described as supporting the whole family. Families referred to it as a family wraparound service, offering emotional and practical support to parents, partners and siblings. One family said, “They include my other children in the conversation… nothing seems too much trouble.”
The environment was seen as calm, safe and inclusive, providing a welcome alternative to community settings that can feel overwhelming. One parent explained, “Going out in the community is hard… here it is safe and fun.” Children were reported to be happier and more settled after visits, reducing stress at home.
While feedback was overwhelmingly positive, some families noted limited capacity, particularly for overnight stays, and a desire for more sessions. One family commented, “I wish they could do more.”
Overall, families described highly positive experiences, emphasising the impact of skilled care, compassion and therapeutic support. Families felt reassured, supported and better able to cope, with one summarising, “I couldn’t ask for a better service.”