On the occasion of the nationwide Day of Children’s Hospice Work on 10 February, the German Children’s Hospice Services are drawing attention to the dramatic undersupply of outpatient and inpatient children’s hospice services. A study by the Humboldt University of Berlin from 2023 shows: 70 percent of affected families would like children’s hospice care, 80 percent would like to take advantage of respite care for at least 14 days per year.

In Germany, there are about 100,000 families with children with life-shortening illnesses. However, the existing 22 inpatient children’s hospices only offer around 11,440 occupancy weeks per year – this corresponds to less than three percent of the legally required four weeks per family. Outpatient services cover only 3.5 percent of the demand. Many families feel left alone – with social isolation, overload and constant worry.

“For seven years, I have been watching night after night next to my child and sleeping during the day when my husband comes home from work,” reports a mother to the German Children’s Hospice Services. The association calls on politicians and sponsors to create nationwide, needs-based financing. The goal is a modern aid structure by 2035 that actively addresses families and is oriented towards their needs.

Example Hanna (10 years old, SMA type 1): The family receives outpatient support in Regensburg and relief once or twice a year in an inpatient hospice. Without this support, everyday life would hardly be manageable.

The German Children’s Hospice Services currently operate five outpatient services (Bochum, Dortmund, Frankfurt, Regensburg, Westerwald) and illuminate buildings such as the television towers in Dortmund and Frankfurt green for the day of action. They are calling for donations:

Donation account: DE87 4416 0014 6576 7958 04, Volksbank Dortmund

Further information: www.deutsche-kinderhospiz-dienste.de
Instagram: @hope.kommt.rum

Editor: X-Press Journalistenbüro GbR

Gender Notice. The personal designations used in this text always refer equally to female, male and diverse persons. Double/triple naming and gendered designations are used for better readability. ected.