A cornerstone of vital paediatric palliative care in the Perth and Kinross region, Rachel House children’s hospice in Kinross, is set to undergo a transformative £17 million redevelopment. This significant project will necessitate a temporary relocation of its crucial services, with plans now unveiled for a move to a former care home in Kinglassie, Fife.
The Children’s Hospices Across Scotland (CHAS), the charity behind Rachel House, has announced its intention to seek planning permission for the extensive refurbishment. This ambitious overhaul, anticipated to span approximately 18 months, aims to modernise the Kinross facility to better meet the evolving needs of the children and families it supports.
For families in Perth and Kinross, Rachel House represents a sanctuary – a place providing respite, care, and support for children with life-shortening conditions. The commitment to maintaining uninterrupted services during this substantial construction period highlights CHAS’s dedication to these families. The chosen temporary base, Abbotsford Mina Lodge in Kinglassie, is situated just ten miles from the original Kinross site, ensuring continued accessibility for those who rely on its compassionate care.
The need for this extensive upgrade stems from significant advancements in medical care since Rachel House first opened its doors in 1996. What was once a state-of-the-art facility, officially inaugurated by HRH The Princess Royal, now requires considerable updating to accommodate the increased demand and complexity of care. Over the past decades, the number of children receiving care at Rachel House has more than doubled, necessitating a facility that can adapt to these growing needs and provide an even higher standard of comfort and specialised support.
The proposed £17 million redevelopment for Rachel House is far-reaching, promising enhancements that will profoundly benefit the children and their families. Future plans include the addition of a hydrotherapy pool, which offers therapeutic benefits and relaxation, as well as upgraded bedrooms designed for maximum comfort and accessibility. Furthermore, fully accessible adventure gardens are envisioned, providing outdoor spaces for play and exploration tailored to every child’s abilities. These improvements are crucial for delivering holistic care that addresses both the physical and emotional well-being of the young residents.
The temporary relocation to Abbotsford Mina Lodge offers a practical solution to a complex logistical challenge. This former care home was purpose-built with ample space, originally accommodating up to 24 residents. Although it has been disused for several years, its existing infrastructure provides a solid foundation for conversion into a welcoming and functional hospice environment. A spokesperson for Abbotsford expressed delight in assisting CHAS, emphasising the community spirit of Kinglassie and its potential to embrace and support this vital group of children and their families. This partnership underscores the strong community ties that often emerge to support such essential services.
CHAS anticipates spending the coming months meticulously transforming the Kinglassie premises into a warm and inviting space, ensuring it meets the unique requirements of a children’s hospice. The goal is to have the temporary facility operational by next summer (2026), allowing for a smooth transition before the main building work commences at Rachel House. This phased approach will minimise disruption to families and ensure that continuous care remains at the forefront of the charity’s mission.
Subject to receiving the necessary planning approvals, the construction phase at the permanent Rachel House site in Kinross is slated to begin in 2026, with the ambitious goal of completing the entire project by 2027. Both Fife Council, regarding the Kinglassie temporary site, and Perth and Kinross Council, for the Rachel House redevelopment plans, are currently reviewing the submitted proposals. The success of these applications is pivotal for moving forward with this critical initiative, which promises to secure the future of specialised children’s palliative care for families across Perthshire and beyond.
The temporary move, while a significant undertaking, demonstrates CHAS’s unwavering commitment to providing the highest quality of care and support. The upgraded Rachel House will ensure that future generations of children with life-shortening conditions in the Perth and Kinross area continue to receive the dedicated and compassionate care they deserve in a truly modern and therapeutic environment.
The Children’s Hospices Across Scotland (CHAS), the charity behind Rachel House, has announced its intention to seek planning permission for the extensive refurbishment. This ambitious overhaul, anticipated to span approximately 18 months, aims to modernise the Kinross facility to better meet the evolving needs of the children and families it supports.
For families in Perth and Kinross, Rachel House represents a sanctuary – a place providing respite, care, and support for children with life-shortening conditions. The commitment to maintaining uninterrupted services during this substantial construction period highlights CHAS’s dedication to these families. The chosen temporary base, Abbotsford Mina Lodge in Kinglassie, is situated just ten miles from the original Kinross site, ensuring continued accessibility for those who rely on its compassionate care.
The need for this extensive upgrade stems from significant advancements in medical care since Rachel House first opened its doors in 1996. What was once a state-of-the-art facility, officially inaugurated by HRH The Princess Royal, now requires considerable updating to accommodate the increased demand and complexity of care. Over the past decades, the number of children receiving care at Rachel House has more than doubled, necessitating a facility that can adapt to these growing needs and provide an even higher standard of comfort and specialised support.
The proposed £17 million redevelopment for Rachel House is far-reaching, promising enhancements that will profoundly benefit the children and their families. Future plans include the addition of a hydrotherapy pool, which offers therapeutic benefits and relaxation, as well as upgraded bedrooms designed for maximum comfort and accessibility. Furthermore, fully accessible adventure gardens are envisioned, providing outdoor spaces for play and exploration tailored to every child’s abilities. These improvements are crucial for delivering holistic care that addresses both the physical and emotional well-being of the young residents.
The temporary relocation to Abbotsford Mina Lodge offers a practical solution to a complex logistical challenge. This former care home was purpose-built with ample space, originally accommodating up to 24 residents. Although it has been disused for several years, its existing infrastructure provides a solid foundation for conversion into a welcoming and functional hospice environment. A spokesperson for Abbotsford expressed delight in assisting CHAS, emphasising the community spirit of Kinglassie and its potential to embrace and support this vital group of children and their families. This partnership underscores the strong community ties that often emerge to support such essential services.
CHAS anticipates spending the coming months meticulously transforming the Kinglassie premises into a warm and inviting space, ensuring it meets the unique requirements of a children’s hospice. The goal is to have the temporary facility operational by next summer (2026), allowing for a smooth transition before the main building work commences at Rachel House. This phased approach will minimise disruption to families and ensure that continuous care remains at the forefront of the charity’s mission.
Subject to receiving the necessary planning approvals, the construction phase at the permanent Rachel House site in Kinross is slated to begin in 2026, with the ambitious goal of completing the entire project by 2027. Both Fife Council, regarding the Kinglassie temporary site, and Perth and Kinross Council, for the Rachel House redevelopment plans, are currently reviewing the submitted proposals. The success of these applications is pivotal for moving forward with this critical initiative, which promises to secure the future of specialised children’s palliative care for families across Perthshire and beyond.
The temporary move, while a significant undertaking, demonstrates CHAS’s unwavering commitment to providing the highest quality of care and support. The upgraded Rachel House will ensure that future generations of children with life-shortening conditions in the Perth and Kinross area continue to receive the dedicated and compassionate care they deserve in a truly modern and therapeutic environment.